Hollywood's representation of Asian identities in contemporary cinema through the study of two films: Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell

Abstract

Asian movies in Hollywood have seen dramatic changes since the movie Crazy Rich Asians made its grant success, being the first all-Asian cast movie in the 21st century, which then led the way for another sensation, The Farewell. The basis for these results lies in the new representation of Asians, far different from the stereotypical figures that often appear in public entertainment. Contrary to the image of the kung fu master or the mysterious wise man, these movies tackle other modern issues such as redefining gender roles, Asian traditions in current society, and cultural hybridity. They remove the stereotypes and focus on how these problems give rise to a new Asian identity, especially Asian Americans. This article will compare and contrast the two movies in terms of relationships, traditions, and gender roles to see how Hollywood represents Asian identities in contemporary cinema.