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The Remake of “The Wedding Banquet”: A Fresh Take on a Classic
The production of the modern remake of the influential 1993 film “The Wedding Banquet,” originally directed by Ang Lee, has drawn mixed experiences from its cast and crew, particularly for Joan Chen and director Andrew Ahn. The new film features Kelly Marie Tran, Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, and Han Gi-chan in leading roles.
In this iteration, Yang portrays Chris, a gay man whose partner, Min (played by Han), agrees to enter a marriage of convenience with their lesbian friend, Angela (played by Tran), allowing her to obtain a green card while also securing in vitro fertilization treatments. The plot thickens when their more traditional families catch wind of the arrangement, leading to the orchestration of an elaborate wedding banquet, for which Chris must help coordinate the deception.
Joan Chen, who takes on the role of Chris’s mother, expressed her admiration for the youthful cast, describing them as vibrant and filled with enthusiasm during filming. At TheWrap’s Sundance Studio, she nostalgically noted, “These four kids, I was so envious of them. They were always having fun.”
Bowen Yang lightheartedly responded to these sentiments by teasing Chen about the presence of CBD gummies on set, suggesting that the fun was partly fueled by good-natured antics. Chen recounted a moment when a staff member brought out the gummies, only to be told they were off-limits to her, leading to laughter and camaraderie among the younger actors while she was busy preparing for the next scene.
Andrew Ahn shared his own feelings of envy as he grew envious of the cast’s laughter. “In many ways, I was jealous of the cast being able to laugh while I was setting up the next shot. I was stressed!” he admitted, highlighting the challenges that often accompany the creative process.
Exploring the Project’s Origins
Andrew Ahn: The idea to reimagine “The Wedding Banquet” originated here at Sundance when producer Anita Gou approached me with the concept. The original film has always held a special place in my heart; I first saw it as a child, and it was groundbreaking for its representation of a gay Asian American character.
Initially, I hesitated to take on the project due to its iconic status. However, I realized that the societal landscape for the LGBTQ+ community has transformed significantly since 1993. With the legalization of same-sex marriage in the U.S., I began to ponder the implications of this change. As a millennial, I grapple with the complexities of choice and the evolving perceptions of marriage. This reflection inspired me to explore these themes through this story.
Bowen, given your commitments to “SNL,” what drew you to this film?
Bowen Yang: My prior collaboration with Andrew made a significant difference in my decision. The narrative arc around the institution of marriage and the intersection of gay and lesbian experiences captivated me, offering a rich ground to explore ideas that traditional portrayals often overlook.
Kelly Marie Tran: Upon reading the script, I was deeply moved by the themes of chosen and found family. It resonated with me on a personal level, and I feel grateful to Andrew and co-writer James Schamus for crafting such an impactful narrative.
In bringing both comedic and dramatic elements to the film, what was your vision?
A.A.: We have an extraordinary ensemble that seamlessly merges humor with heartfelt moments. From our discussions before filming, I sensed a profound sense of generosity and connection among the actors, which I aimed to reflect in the film’s portrayal of chosen family and the interpersonal dynamics at play.
Joan Chen: Watching the movie deeply moved me. The authenticity of the characters’ relationships is incredibly touching.
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www.thewrap.com