Why Asian American Movies Aren't As Good As Asian Movies

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[@RKKY-mf7fe]

Asian American movies are all tied to identity. Asian movies are just movies.

[@hailyrizzo5428]

Exactly. I was wondering about what these guys are saying when they said 'Asian American' movies as compared to Asian 'just movies. The fact that they need to label something an 'Asian American' movie is making it an identity issue in the first place ie what IS an 'Asian American' movie. Would you label Creed as a 'black' movie or is it just a boxing movie with a black lead character. I guess one that comes closest to breaking the mold is EEAAOnce

[@92ChatNoir92]

THIS 100%!

[@invisiblerevolution]

Everything in America now is about.... IDENTITY.

[@jaustmike9001]

Exactly. I've noticed Asian-American movies, even their stand-up comedy, is tied or boxed in primarily with their identity.

[@sarawinardi6745]

The problem is that Hollywood treats diversity as it’s own character, story telling and plot. Either that or they do stereotypes

[@AA_cowgomoo]

and putting people as main characters just for name value when they're not needed, i.e. entire Godzilla and Transformers series, and bunch other movies.

[@livinlife0312]

Truer words have never been spoken

[@davadh]

Asian American movies, especially Chinese American movies are basically about the same thing: I'm too Americanized, I must learn about my culture, dragons, and "chi" but I MUST never ever go back to live in China because that's just way too Oriental

[@pendekarlautbiru]

Also 'Look how Asian I am in spite of not wanting to actually associate myself with Asia!" Okay, and what about the actual story? "Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh...............plot, because reasons?" Virtual signaling takes preference over storytelling, and that's what you get.

[@MedalionDS9]

It's about expectations... asian americans are measured against american standards... while asian asian are "foreign" and "exotic"

[@Razear]

I think the answer to this is fairly obvious. Asian actors in Asia get to speak their native tongue, have full directorial control over scripts (and therefore create more multifaceted stories), and don't have to compete with potential talent on the basis of race. The barriers imposed by Hollywood simply don't exist, and that facilitates higher quality films. The majority of Hollywood narratives that involve Asian characters typically revolve around racial identity. It's difficult to flesh out the plot or character arcs when the same cliché tropes are continually recycled.

[@asianbride6050]

One of the best American Asian movies I've seen was the 1990s classic "The Replacement Killers" with Chow Yun-fat and an all-star cast. Great movie if you haven't watched it.

[@hardensoul7248]

I thought that was mainstream Hollywood trying to cash in on Chow Yun Fat popularity at the time. I enjoyed it, it was just a good movie. I don’t remember any current woke stuff in the movie. Or advertising as American Asian movie.

[@asianbride6050]

@@hardensoul7248@hardensoul7248 : During the 90s, there was a run of Asian movies with high-profile actors. "Crouching Tiger" was one of them. Later came the English movies in the early 2000s, such as Snatch, a great movie. Is Woke another word for feminism?

[@kennybo8722]

If they weren't already, Godzilla minus one has singlehandedly made Asian movies better.

[@silverstar8886]

Netflix will drop The Brothers Sun this Thursday, starring Asian cast featuring Michelle Yeoh. It looks like gangsters, martial arts with comedy. It would be interesting to see if that is any different from what has come before.

[@jeretso]

I do see a lot more Asian content on Netflix vs Amazon/HBOMax/Disney.

[@BLVCKSEA]

i should start writing a book..a little background about myself: southeast asian american from Seattle who grew up in the gang culture..who then started skateboarding and became immersed in the graffiti/art/music scene..and then moved to Stockton,CA and then later joined the Army....story gets pretty wild from there..

[@zhanglaura945]

I’m sure Asian American can produce good movies as long as they don’t always purposely play a card of Asian culture in the storyline for some so-called “diversity” or “deep thoughts” or “cultural diversity”. As a new Asian immigrant myself, sometimes I found that in Asian American movies, the plots about Asian culture seem weird to me. They are more like old Asian immigrant culture or old Asian culture from last century. Unless the movie is specifically about Asian immigrant story / a story in the last century or something, purposely including those “traditional Asian elements” is just weird and confusing. Asian movies in Asia normally only just focuses on content and plots instead of trying to make the movie “diverse” or “cultural”.

[@alvinkuo777]

At least there is more media involving Asian Americans now. Also keep in mind that box office and money flowing in is the main driver for media getting made. The real creativity i feel is in art and literature, where the creator has more freedom to explore topics other than filial piety.

[@bloodydove5718]

"Is it ok that as we get more representation, even though we're still stuck on that candle, that we become unhappy with that candle?" "At one point, you have nothing, but now that you have something dang it's all the same-" Coming from the perspective of a black millennial who's grown up with witnessing the increase in our representation and the diversification of it in media... Absolutely. Representation is unfathomably important not just in molding how others see you, but how you see yourself (Especially in regards to children.) The Quality of that representation is equally as important. Again, coming from the perspective of an African American, specifically... The quality of our representation is exactly why so many people in the US and outside of it (even in countries in West Africa) dislike particularly African Americans.... Because of the image of drug dealers, gangsters, etc. that has almost solely been permeated for us throughout western media. We got a lot more representation in the 90's than we did prior to it... but a lot of it was Bad, and painted a disproportionate picture. Looking at the movies that have been coming out now regarding black representation (though some are good) we're also getting tired of what we've dubbed "Trauma Porn". For Years, it has been exhausting for many of us to constantly see us being brutalized on screen. It's important to look at who's helming these projects, as well; A Lot of the disappointing movies that are suppose to help representation, just so happen to not be made by people they're suppose to be representing. They may have the right onscreen casting... but like Dana Stevens and Maria Bello with Woman King, and Niki Caro, Rick Jaffa, Amanda Silver, Lauren Hynek, and Elizabeth Martin with the live action Mulan... Quite often, the directors, writers, producers, studio execs, etc. dont consider Many important things when making decisions far outside their racial, ethic, cultural experience on projects where those thing are supremely relevant. And it shows. I could go on and on, but ultimately... Yes its exceptionally fair to maintain a critical lens when viewing quality representation of you and yours in media. If anything, It's Responsible. Dont settle for scraps, or else you'll never get better than that.

[@aznpr1d3n]

I think it's important to recognize that both Asian and Asian American filmmakers contribute valuable perspectives to the world of cinema. While movies made in Asia often showcase unique cultural nuances, histories, and storytelling styles, it doesn't necessarily make them inherently better than those made by Asian Americans. Asian American filmmakers bring their own experiences and perspectives to the table, often navigating the complexities of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. Their stories contribute to the rich tapestry of global cinema, offering insights into the diverse narratives within the Asian diaspora. Ultimately, the quality of a movie depends on various factors such as storytelling, cinematography, acting, and direction, rather than simply the geographic origin of the filmmakers. Embracing the diversity within both Asian and Asian American cinema allows for a more comprehensive appreciation of the art form as a whole.

[@hailyrizzo5428]

The modern day 'immigrant experience' of Asian Americans is boring. The world is culturally more homogeneous today than compared to a hundred years ago. Asians are not going to come to America and face problems with vending machines or flush toilets. They are not going to get shunted into some ghetto because of their race. In fact they might be moving into the most expensive real estate in town. Their only problem is maybe making friends with the neighbors or in school.

[@hailyrizzo5428]

the modern day asian immigrant experience is boring.

[@KC-bv9kf]

Easy, Asian American movies follow most American movies templates. Clichés, feel good, and need for happy outcomes. Not relatable

[@smokeedinero]

Always Be My Maybe on Netflix is an Asian American movie that I don't think falls under those clichés.. it's juss a feel good romantic comedy. Give it a try

[@nigeltang8738]

That movie sucks, sorry.

[@PricefieldPunk]

Cause Hollywood treats diversity like thats a huge selling point of a movie over plot, character development, and story. Like Shang Chi was one of the most generic movies I've ever seen. I'm suppose to praise the movie just cause its got Asian people in it? Godzilla Minus One wasn't even in English and it's better than any Hollywood Godzilla movie cause it made me care about the characters in it.

[@hailyrizzo5428]

Hollywood's Asian diversity agenda is just BS. Hollywood only picks Asian WOMEN to fill up their quota of diversity and hook them up with white men. East Asian men are invisible. How are you going to make a proper Asian American movie if you just put out a cast of only one gender. CRA did well because it had a balanced cast of male and female Asians. Even Joyride which focus a group of Asian women had more roles for Asian men than almost every single Hollywood movie.

[@minascookie2038]

Personally, I tend to avoid watching movies/series with Asian American / diaspora actors due to trauma. Idk much about recent Asian American cinema but growing up in the 2000s, the few movies that starred Asian-American actors would often cast them in stereotypical roles. As a result, this affected irl interactions, for example, you were more prone to be teased or picked on at school merely for being of Asian descent. So even if those actors don't play those stereotypical roles anymore, I can't bear to see them in current productions, otherwise, it would evoke my childhood trauma again. Now that Asian-Asian movies have increasing international exposure, you can see they're not only better in terms of storyline but the roles also don't seem as "forced" as in Asian-American movies.

[@jedtai2391]

Better Luck Tomorrow was a movie that was in many ways way ahead of its time. It would still work today for sure - hard to believe it's 20+ years old.

[@92ChatNoir92]

John Cho's character deserved to die lol after cheating on his Asian girl like that...smh. He was good at playing a scummy man!

[@user-gt1wr1vh3i]

For sure. I have this movie on DVD 😃

[@victorhuey2892]

Unspoken is a Chinese film shot in canada, by Director Daming Chen. The DP was Ray Huang, who also was the DP on "Snakehead"

[@flaviosouza4449]

Great topic. Agreed 100%.

[@badass197]

Gun N Rose with Andy Lau, goat status movie.

[@BLVCKSEA]

i must be way out of the loop because I only recognized 2 or 3 movies that you guys mentioned in this whole video..ha..

[@gudrun5531]

I've watched almost exclusively Asian entertainment for the last 10 years (exceptions being Marvel movies). I would love to see more Asian American actors take center stage in Hollywood. But I realized that Hollywood stories just don't grab my interest like K-dramas or C-dramas, so it would come down to the script for an American series, not just the actors. I enjoy more wholesome content and science fiction and fantasy, which Hollywood just doesn't produce like it used to. China doesn't allow much sci fi, but I enjoy how much science fiction is included in modern K-dramas. So, I would love to see some Asian American dramas that showcase the talents of actors while actually interesting me (I have watched Pachingko, which is a truly quality production and quite fun to see Asian representation, but much more dire than I enjoy.)

[@ShubhoBose]

Would Harold and Kumar be considered an Asian American movie? It's hilarious and obviously doesn't ascribe to mom-dad.

[@hailyrizzo5428]

I agree.

[@alexong2542]

it is, because the theme of the movie is centered around the USA culture.

[@justacontrarian]

Guys, how about this idea? A novel that I read long ago by author Min Jin Lee, called "Free Lunch for Millionaires" would potentially make a great film, if done well. It can hit the millenial stuff, as well as the parent-child conflict, and current social woes.

[@jeretso]

Departed(2006) was filled with Hollywood All Stars but Infernal Affairs (2002-2003) was my favorite version. Hollywood just recycles the same actors over and over again like Damon(53), Cruise(61), Sheen(83), Caprio(49) and Nicholson(86). I can't even remember the names of the Infernal cast and yet that movie was the OG for me. Departed copied the best scenes and just pasted the old guys faces 🤣. Maybe they could've snuck an Asian actor into the main cast. I suggest watch the movies in order .

[@yangjirui123]

I do not see what is wrong with drawing a line between right and wrong. I still like Western literature over lots of Asian literatures, which emphasize more on the twists rather than actual right and wrong.

[@kairossoteria6215]

Thats because asian american culture is too westernized. People like korean dramas and movies because it maintains the asian sentiment.

[@chimakalu41]

16:16 That is jackie chan adventures right there

[@ryryjagoat9494]

One reason is because the action and fight choreography in Asian films from Asia is just straight up better than all Hollywood action movies. I’ve seen a lot of Jackie Chans, Jet Li and Donnie Yens post and pre 2000s action movies and the fighting choreography is literally just better than anything else ive seen. Marvel movie fight scenes aren’t even close imo

[@hailyrizzo5428]

Agree. But if you are talking about fighting choreography don't just limit yourself to HK/Chinese movies. You said Asian, so check out Korean, Thai, Indonesian, Japanese, Vietnamese action movies. Btw the guy who directed the Raid and many of Iko Uwais action films is a white dude.

[@zuriyel5368]

It's interesting to note that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon made $128m at the American box office.

[@chimakalu41]

0:14 I think david nailed it right there in the opening statement. I think a good example may be ghost in the shell. The american movie adaptation ruined the japanese anime. The Japanese Anime had no limits. The american adaption sucked. When the culture in the movie is respected properly the movie will do really well. The culture is always more concentrated in the home country. I, however, like that more cultural movies are being more widely shown and exposed to american audiences. So please do not keep foreign movies away from america we enjoy them here too

[@tiger2eye]

If you want to watch the animals of the Chinese zodiac come alive and interact with each other, it has already been done -- in the form of an anime called Etotama. They make the life of the human protagonist interesting in a funny, sexy and action packed manner. As a bonus, they heavily promote the Analects of Confucius without ever saying so or mentioning the philosopher's name.

[@Cherodar]

I like the idea of the Asian-American friend group that gets divided based on tensions back in the old country--it's a story that would be uniquely diasporic, but at the same time would centre Asian-Asian relations rather than always having to be about comparisons with white people. It's definitely relatable to me at least--I'm Japanese-American, and my best friend for much of high school was from Korea, and she once said to me that "if Japan and Korea get into a war, we can't be friends anymore." She said it like she was kidding, but I was always a little genuinely worried about that. We also had friends of both Taiwanese and mainland-Chinese background, and I remember that one mainlander had to intentionally excise the 兒音 from her speech because her Taiwanese-American friend couldn't stand it--not exactly as high-stakes a political struggle as literal war, at least on the surface, but there could be lots there to explore.

[@valorzinski7423]

Because the director and writers ain't Asian Asian American movies = a bunch of bad stereotypes An actual Asian American should make a movie about the Asian American experience instead of some racial stereotype movie that targets Western audiences

[@MEnglish404]

Asian American movies tends to look minor because it’s typically takes place in some place in the U.S. rather than some exotic location that viewers are not familiar with.

[@chavito808]

0:00 The answer is because they put more heart and effort into those movies and Hollywood cares less of it...

[@hayabusa1329]

Crazy Rich Asians was pretty good

[@MultiAbstrak]

i dare you to watch Quantum Leap for Korean American media.

[@thatvietguyonline]

tbh ABC lost my interest from episode 3 ngl, too cliche even with Wukong base storyline.

[@thatvietguyonline]

but the new series "THE BROTHERS SUN" 2024 is kinda killer thooo, prettysick combat choreography + content + cultural+ language.

[@mikes1071]

Watch Dante Lam's Operation Meikong and Operation Red Sea solid action movies but don't get the recognition because of of it's county of origin. Also Hollywood/DC acceptable Asian stories are the ones that will get greenlite and media support.

[@solenstyle]

The meta is different for both regions. For so long, Asians had a stereotype that they portrayed and didn't get much roles outside of that. The only positive roles were martial arts flicks. So now the meta is that Asian Americans growing up want to go away from that, and so identity plays a large part in that where they just want to be looked at as ordinary Americans. Asia never really dealt with those kind of social dynamics, so their meta is far further along where those kind of movies won't make as much money because they're not new or rather, bringing anything new to the table. Obviously, the underlying factor is that America in general has a big hard on for identitarian politics. It's especially strong with corporations seeing diversity as a tool that will lose them the least amount of money for fear of backlash from the younger generation that is loud online.

[@JasonK.-cy2tl]

I've stopped watching American content 10 years ago for many reasons. I've stopped listening to American music. It's gone totally downhill. I still enjoy pre-2010 American/British content, but I've moved onto Asian content. I refuse to watch shows from an industry that disrespects Asians. Asian kids today are very lucky. There was no Asian content when I was a kid.

[@rainzerdesu]

It's a multi pronged issue. The idea that we're a minority feels like a lazy excuse really. "Asian" makes up 6% of the US while Jews make up under 3% but no one's arguing there isn't a Jewish presence in mass media. With film and TV, the biggest problem is this self-limiting issue. Like why are Asian American creatives forcing themselves to produce only very specific Asian content? Woody Allen, Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, Mel Brooks didn't only make Jewish films. They used their Jewish life experience to inform the movies they made and made them themes in their film making. There's no Asian fifty shades of grey because Asian American creatives won't write it and instead have to make some protest story about how Asian parents are strict and people discriminate against fobs. Tell people a story informed by Asian-ness. Stop using Asian-ness as an excuse we're not heard. Until then, i'll be sticking to watching Chinese and HK, Japanese, Korean films for my Asian media. And i'll still be salty that Scorcese stole the success of Infernal Affairs and made it white people.

[@toneriggz]

EEAAO was dope tho.

[@AA_cowgomoo]

Just heard pitch for Asian American version of bunch of K contents including TaeGukKi and Inheritors.

[@ljvue]

Because just like sugar filled pho restaurants, we have to appeal to the American audience. And that ducks everything up.

[@PinkNintendoDuo87]

Personally, Asian films made outside of Asia have always been a mixed bag for me. Titles like “Crazy Rich Asians” are bummers while those like EEAAO, “Gook”, and “Turning Red” seem promising. This partly explains why I often prefer stuff from Asia for my Asian media fix. (I’m saying this as an Asian outside of Asia.)

[@jaustmike9001]

I think the best Asian-American movie I've seen is Harold and Kumar. 😁 Can someone recommend other Asian-American movies that you like?

[@DidierWierdsma6335]

Screw Hollywood it's highly overrated. K drama's C drama's and J drama's are superior period. The Eastern entertainment industry is amazing love it i'm done with Hollywood and the American entertainment industry no offense😊 Other than that keep up the great work David and Andrew👍 And greetings from the Netherlands🇳🇱

[@DaxHudson]

You guys seriously need a Asian MLK Jr because Asian American civil rights movement is not huge or united unlike African American or Hispanic/Latino American movements.

[@outisnemo555]

It’s because Asian movies don’t have an internal identity crisis, and so don’t feel necessary to constantly revolve around the topic of identity. Chinese films don’t feel necessary to prove how American or how Chinese they are.

[@danamurray735]

This is the problem @ 2:45 where movie themes and storytelling caters to MAINSTREAM America. It becomes a tired monotonous narrative. That's why ALL American movies are predictable. Asian movies are so much better than American movies...so much so that the Martin Scorsese directed movie The Departed is a watered down version of the Asian original movie Infernal Affairs

[@RRDB92]

better luck tomorrow is badass. also, finishing the game is funny as HELL. I watched both those movies in the late 00s, both asian American movies. joy luck club was good too. crazy rich Asians sucked ass tho. NGL

[@user-yy9hk9od9u]

Asian American directors and their movies are very good.

[@offensivesword4628]

Asian movies are just better in general to be honest.

[@franklinha2587]

The reason is due to #'s. Asian Americans compared to let's say Koreans who are actors, directors are much less. Name one person you personally know from childhood who wanted to make in Hollywood and really pursued it. I know many huge amount of Korean American and my list is 0.

[@KC-wz6nf]

1st

[@TheProudWife515]

So Jealous!!!

[@NeonKue]

Mainstream Asian American movies get a little too white washed in its format. The independent ones like Baby and Bang Bang were more nostalgic but the acting was quite mediocre.

[@user-mm3dy6sj6w]

huh? do people not watch real asian movie? most of them are really bad dude...

[@shiyu7616]

Since there are so many crappy Hollywood remakes now, might as well remake some great Asian films.

[@ESFDragxnFistEntertainment]

Am i the only 1 that didn't like everything all at once besides the movie having martial club stunt team in the movie...

[@jesing5]

I beg to disagreed with your assumption that AA movies are not as good as Asian movies. There are good and bad movies on both sides as well as any movies made by any race, culture and ethnicities. Your heading is quite misleading but it's to create a topic of conversation I guess.

[@zuriyel5368]

Out of curiosity, what do you find to be the best AA movies? Do add in shows as well if you know of any.

[@martinpecheur-xh1qp]

Everything, everywhere, whatever is totally over rated. It got way too many oscars because woke hollywood had to celebrate a minority and support anti asian hate mouvement. And as they can't always give it to the blacks as usual. The film was entertaining though but Swiss Army Man was better.

[@weifan9533]

Asian movies? Depends on which type of Asian movie you're talking about, I feel that most Chinese movies that came out in recent years suck, and movie industry in China as a whole is going downhill due to the severe censorship.

[@cafezo87934]

Both are no bueno