Saving Face (2004)

Director:

Alice Wu

Writer:

Alice Wu (writer)

Release Date:

9 September 2005 (Turkey)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

Tagline:

A romantic comedy about right, wrong and everything in between.

Plot:

A Chinese-American lesbian and her traditionalist mother are reluctant to go public with secret loves that clash against cultural expectations.

Plot Keywords:

Chinese American | Surgeon | Lesbian | Single Mother | Dancer

Awards:

1 win & 3 nominations

Cast

Michelle Krusiec	...	Wilhelmina 'Wil' Pang
Joan Chen	...	Hwei-Lan Gao - Ma
Lynn Chen	...	Vivian Shing
Jin Wang	...	Wai Gung - Grandpa
Guang Lan Koh	...	Wai Po - Grandma
Jessica Hecht	...	Randi - Hospital Co-Worker
Ato Essandoh	...	Jay - Neighbor
David Shih	...	Norman
Brian Yang	...	Little Yu
Nathanel Geng	...	Stimson Cho
Mao Zhao	...	Old Yu
Louyong Wong	...	Dr. Shing
Clare Sum	...	Mrs. Wong
Qian Luo	...	Mrs. Shing
Richard Chang	...	Stephen

MPAA:

Rated R for some sexuality and language.

Runtime:

91 min | USA:96 min (San Francisco Asian American Film Festival) | Canada:97 min | Argentina:97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Mandarin | Shanghainese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

UK:15 | Singapore:R21 (edited version) | Hong Kong:IIB | Argentina:16 | Brazil:18 | Taiwan:R-12 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:14A (Alberta/Manitoba) | Canada:PG (British Columbia/Ontario) | Germany:o.Al. | Malaysia:(Banned) | USA:R | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Destination Films

Trivia:

Director Cameo: The woman eating an apple on the bus is Alice Wu.

Goofs:

Continuity: Wil consistently wears her hair in a tightly pulled back ponytail, but shortly after her mother moves in she goes to visit her grandfather wearing an army T shirt. While she's adjusting the TV antenna, her hair is uncharacteristically puffed up with no explanation. All scenes before and after show her hair in the tight ponytail. Quite a bit later, there is a scene where Wil's mom sends her to the beauty shop to find out gossip. It's there that Wil is wearing the same army T shirt and getting her hair rolled up in big curls - the end result of which would be puffed hair!

Quotes:

Hwei-Lan Gao - Ma: So, when are you gonna have a baby?

Movie Connections:

References The Joy Luck Club (1993)

Soundtrack:

NI SHI WO XIN ZHONG YUN YI DUO

Exceptionally well done movie

While this movie has a Chinesse-American lesbian theme, it goes under the same category of "My Big, Fat Greek Wedding": you don't need to be one to REALLY, REALLY like it! The writing is extremely humorous and intelligent. It reminded me of the "Kissing Jessica Stein movie" in terms of the wit that the writer (who also happens to be the director) brings forth in the script. I was not sure what to expect from a movie that I was seeing at a film festival. I was pleasantly and extremely surprised! The actors were quite believable in their roles and did a fine job. The production quality of the movie was quite noticeable from the start of the movie and was very good and enjoyable to watch. The lead characters are likable and sweet, while not Pollyannish. The story itself is also full of scenarios that most people can relate to regardless of their sexual orientation or race. So, if you're looking for a fun time, out go see this movie and enjoy!