Now Chinatown

Pretty simple: Why can't Hollywood make a movie with positive Asian roles?

This movie has so many stereotypes it makes my stomach churn. And for what purpose? To tell a story so that the white guy looks good? It even makes a few outdated stereotypical references to "Empress Dowager" and "Special Fortunes (cookies)". Blech!

Production values are pretty good except for the fact there aren't any subtitles. I like the shot where instead of showing the manager's reaction, we see his hand fall by the doorknob. Musical accompaniment evokes empathic feelings for the central character Lee, especially at the end.

Back to the main point: There aren't any positive Asian imagery, particularly for Asian males. Every Chinese person in this movie is either poor (Lee, the cook, & the busboy) or an a**hole (just about everyone else).

Why can't Hollywood make a movie with positive Asian roles?

Dear Mr. Dunning,

I just happened to catch your film. What a lucky break for me! My eight year old son was with me and complained at first, but in minutes, he was engrossed as well.

Instead of the typical "Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl"

It was "Boy meets girl, boy empowers girl, girl sets herself free". How refreshing! How beautiful. This was a brilliant and captivating story. It expressed many complex themes but it was conveyed with such entertaining simplicity that my little boy thoroughly enjoyed it. He and I talked about sociology and freedom all afternoon.

Obviously, this film was targeted for adults, but the very mature subplots went right over my son's head and I was there with him to talk about the prevalent issues.

I thank you for the lessons you taught my son and I thank you for the reminders to me about taking my rights for granted. The messages stuck with us.

This was a real triumph on many levels. Congratulations on a superb first effort. You really know how to capture the human spirit. I will watch for your future work.

Kerrie

This film hit me deeply and I know this happens even worse in all communities. Forty people from China stuffed in a cargo shipping container just showed up in London, all dead from the trip trying to get to a new country for a better life. My friends who are not Asian liked it because they have been through their own difficulties that don't even have to do with immigration but just hardships we all go through and the lead character is so inspirational. I'm glad it's not the stereotypical white guy saves the little Asian girl that we've seen before and those movies are insulting. This shows yes the bad guys and good guys too that exist everywhere. This is a sample of the many tough lives that are out there, (not even as bad as many real stories) and how we should be more understanding to those we don't know around us from all walks of life. Bravo! Make more like this Mr. Dunning.

I am not going to give a critical account of this movie. All I will say is that it was very powerful and moved me (heavily) to tears a number of times, especially at the end. Lianne Hu is magnificent! You cannot help but fall in love with her Lee (in more than a sympathetic, but not an overly emotional way), and Steve Dunning is a very sensitive and touching writer and director. Bravo!

Now Chinatown is a must-see movie! It is a beautiful film. It has a message that needs to be said. It is a good story and, it is reality which explores a subject that most people can identify with, or at least know someone who can. The story is told in a sensitive way. It is not "sensational" but, rather, a compelling look at a young girl who finds herself transplanted into her new surroundings, in pursuit of the "American Dream." She dates to be herself, and finds her freedom in doing so.