Asian Americans in Film
Author: Victor Wan | Category: Unkown category | Date: 08-11-2020
Having watched films at movie theaters, Netflix, and many other streaming services, I've noticed a continuous pattern that always bothers me: there seems to be a lack of Asians and Asian Americans starring in many Hollywood films. Sure, there was Jackie Chan co-starring in films like Shanghai Noon and Rush Hour, but he seems to be one of the few top Asian stars that many people recognize. There just seems to be a lack of Asians in film, after all the stereotyping and injustice we face in the US.
On one Saturday evening, my family and I drove to a movie theater to watch a film everyone had been discussing about: Crazy Rich Asians. This was one of the two films that incorporated a full-Asian cast(the other was Joy Luck Club). I definitely could agree that this movie deserved its popularity and fame. It's a moment in time which we haven't seen in decades. With so many Asian American stars like Awkwafina and Ken Jeong starring in this film, it was like watching the most popular Asian actors and actresses finally come together and create a masterpiece of a film. This romantic comedy film opens up a new world to people who previously were unwawre of how traditional activiites and cultural events take place in Asia. Ranging from table manners to clothing, many viewers were glad to have learned what life is like in the east.
Having seen this movie, I thought to myself, Why aren't there more films in Hollywood like this? Do people not pay attention to films that involve Asian actors or actresses? Why is this a problem here in Hollywood? I have watched plenty of films with Asians playing supporting characters or background characters in film, such as Wong from Doctor Strange and Constance form Ocean's 8, but they barely recieved any screen time and didn't really play a significant role in those films, as the attention was focused more on lead characters Doctor Strange and Debbie Ocean(respectively)
The need for Asian Americans in film is more important than ever. Given the craze over Jon Chu's Crazy Rich Asians, this is only the beginning of the rise of Asian American actors and actresses finally gaining attention for their outstanding work. There definitely is an urge to bring Asian actors to lead roles of major Hollywood films, as well as Asian directors and film crews to go along with them.
About: Victor Wan
