An AMERICAN movie about KOREANS?!

If I told you that there was an American comedy movie in English, with an entirely Asian cast, about a Korean family, would you believe me? What if I also told you that Epik High Tablo’s wife, Kang Hye Jung was in it… would you believe me? And also, if I told you that the entire movie was written and directed by a Korean American woman would you believe me? Well… you better, because there actually is. This is not exactly related to my personal adventures here in Korea, but it’s something that is really important to me as a Korean-American. And as the clever tagline says, THIS (for once) IS NOT A FOREIGN FILM. 

Back in California, I am a student at UC Irvine and also part of a Korean cultural awareness club. Through the club, we were able to get in contact with an ambitious Korean American director by the name of Christine Yoo. We learned that Director Yoo had made a movie about Koreans for Hollywood. So we arranged to have her come and speak at one of our events and it greatly shocked me about the amount of struggles she went through to make this film.

Truth is, Yoo wrote the script many years ago, and it had even got picked up by a well-known film company. But to her dismay, the company let her know that they had picked a different film to sponsor over hers that they found to be similar, but would probably appeal to a larger American audience. That movie was the greatly successful My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

Since then, Yoo struggled long and hard to get the movie done on her own. She personally had to network all throughout Los Angeles to Korean companies, store owners, and actors/actresses because it was difficult for an Asian-American woman to be taken seriously in Hollywood. Her and her team flew out to Korea and amazingly they were able to get Kang Hye Jung on board (a very well-known and acclaimed actress in Korea / Old Boy) for it. 

The cast which includes many recognizable faces, has been traveling the nation trying to spread word about their film. Why must it be so difficult to have Asians be taken seriously by studios and all other Americans? We too are part of America. 

Triumphantly,  with much struggle and incredible effort, it looks like it can be possible for an Asian-American movie to REALLY make it in theaters! I don’t know about you all, but I’m sick and tired of us Asians being portrayed as ninjas, the weird best friend, or the comedic “fob” relief. I cannot say that this movie will not enforce any of those stereotypes (because I haven’t seen it), but for once, I’d like to see a movie that I can laugh with because I can relate to it. What about you? I ask all of you to support their campaign and overthrow the studios’ idea of what shouldn’t be in theaters. 

Please watch the trailer/videos, reblog, and support the cause! (: 

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