inkblot11 Review of Flower Drum Song

Flower Drum Song (1961)

Drum up some viewing pals for this film, you fans of musicals or light romance

[6/10 · 13 October 2008]

Wang Ta (James Shigeta) has just graduated from college and has returned home to Chinatown in San Francisco. His father is definitely "old school" in that he dresses like a Chinese native, despite his very successful American business. Wang is contemplating law school but, in the meantime, his head is turned by a beautiful local gal named Linda (Nancy Kwan). Unaware that, first, Linda is a showgirl at a local restaurant, and, second, that his father is arranging a match between himself and a lovely girl from Hong Kong, Mei Li (Miyoshi Umeki), Wang continually tries to keep his father at a distance. But, naturally, when Wang's dad gets news that his son has his eye on another girl, he makes it clear that he, dear old dad, is in charge of Wang's life. This does not go over well, despite Wang's recognition that Mei Li is a wonderful, attractive lady. Linda, too, has a few secrets; she is merely making a play for Wang Ta because her own boyfriend, restaurant owner, Sammy, will not give her a ring, after FIVE long years! How will the "song" end for everyone? This film, based on a Rogers and Hammerstein musical of the fifties, has some good elements. The musical numbers are light and catchy, and the performers are great, especially the handsome Shigeta, the knock-out gorgeous Kwan, and the shyly beautiful Umeki. Then, too, it gives the viewer a glimpse into the Chinatown of the fifties and sixties. But, having said that, it is definitely a politically incorrect piece of fiction, with many stereotypical elements about Orientals. One would wonder how it was received by Chinese-Americans long ago and how they would regard it now. As for being dated, it is truly no more so than any other film from the time period, such as Gidget or Beach Blanket Bingo, but its goal to be "hip" to the modern culture is amusing in the 21st century. Nonetheless, if you love musicals or light romance, you will most likely enjoy it. Drum up some like-minded friends and plan a Saturday night get-together, with take-out Chinese, naturally, on the menu.