In the charming and culturally rich film "The Wedding Banquet," we are introduced to Min, a young gay man grappling with the emotional turmoil of his relationship with his boyfriend, Chris. Frustrated with Chris's reluctance to settle down and feeling the societal pressure of traditional commitment, Min concocts a pragmatic yet unconventional plan. He proposes a green-card marriage to their mutual friend, Angela, as a means to secure her permanent residency in the United States. In exchange, Angela agrees to assist Min and Chris by funding an expensive in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure for her partner, Lee, who dreams of having a family. This seemingly straightforward arrangement is set against the backdrop of cultural expectations and personal desires, creating a rich narrative tapestry that explores love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships.
As Min and Angela finalize their plans for this faux marriage, they think they have everything under control. However, their carefully laid out scheme begins to unravel when Min's traditional grandmother makes an unexpected visit from Taiwan. To the couple's surprise, she plans an extravagant Korean wedding banquet to celebrate Min's supposed nuptials with Angela, believing it is a genuine marriage. The impending celebration brings with it a wave of anxiety, as Min and Chris must navigate the expectations of Min's family while trying to maintain the charade. The film deftly balances moments of humor and heartache, showcasing the dichotomy between Min's real happiness and the facade he must uphold, all while plunging into cultural intricacies that enrich the storyline.
As the wedding banquet day approaches, tension mounts, leading to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt revelations. The presence of family brings Min's internal struggles to the forefront, forcing him to confront the realities of his relationships with both Chris and Angela. Throughout all the chaos and laughter, "The Wedding Banquet" becomes a poignant exploration of love in its various forms—romantic, familial, and the love for one's true self. Ultimately, it culminates in a celebration that transcends mere tradition, compelling characters and audiences alike to reevaluate what it truly means to unite in love, regardless of the format it takes.
Main Cast of The Wedding Banquet
Bowen Yang
Chris
Bowen Yang delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Chris in Ang Lee's "The Wedding Banquet," a film that explores themes of identity, family, and tradition. As the gay partner of the protagonist, Wai-Tung, in a complex arrangement designed to appease his traditional Taiwanese parents, Yang's portrayal of Chris is both poignant and understated. He brings a depth of emotion to the role, navigating the intricate dynamics of the narrative with a grace that captures the audience's empathy. Yang's Chris is a character caught between his own desires and the cultural expectations imposed upon him, and through his performance, he highlights the internal struggle of a man attempting to find his place in a world where he is pulled between two cultures. His chemistry with co-star Winston Chao is palpable, lending authenticity to their on-screen relationship and the tender moments they share. Yang's ability to convey the layers of Chris's character—his quiet strength, vulnerability, and ultimate growth—contributes significantly to the film's enduring charm and its thoughtful examination of the universal quest for acceptance and love.
Lily Gladstone
Lee
Lily Gladstone delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Lee in Ang Lee's 1993 film "The Wedding Banquet." As the central character, Gladstone's Lee is a complex figure, a gay man living in New York with his partner, but entangled in a traditional Taiwanese cultural expectation to marry. Gladstone brilliantly balances the internal conflict of Lee, who is both tender and stoic, grappling with his desire to fulfill his family's wishes while remaining true to his own identity. Her portrayal is marked by a quiet strength and subtle expressiveness, capturing the poignant struggle of navigating dual identities and the pressures of filial duty. Gladstone's chemistry with co-star Winston Chao, who plays Lee's partner Simon, is palpable, lending authenticity to their relationship and the emotional stakes at play. Her performance is a standout, offering a sensitive exploration of the immigrant experience, the tension between personal authenticity and cultural obligation, and the evolving definition of family.
Kelly Marie Tran
Angela
In Ang Lee's "The Wedding Banquet" (1993), Kelly Marie Tran delivers a nuanced performance as Angela, a character who navigates the complexities of love, family, and cultural expectations. As the central figure in a comedic drama that explores the themes of identity and tradition, Tran's portrayal of Angela is both endearing and compelling. She brings depth to the role of a young woman caught in a web of pretense, where she agrees to a marriage of convenience with a gay man, Wai-Tung Gao, played by Winston Chao, to satisfy his Taiwanese parents' desires for a traditional union. Tran's Angela is a blend of strength and vulnerability, showing a woman who is both independent and yearning for genuine connection. Her chemistry with Chao is palpable, and together they craft a believable and touching friendship that evolves amidst the chaos of a grand wedding banquet. Tran's performance is a testament to her ability to convey the emotional layers of a character grappling with personal desires versus societal pressures, making her portrayal of Angela a memorable aspect of the film's exploration of unconventional relationships and the universal search for happiness.
Secondary Cast of The Wedding Banquet
Jeffrey Liang
Lady Shu Mai
Sherine Menes
Kal / Intern
Eunjung Choi
Wedding Officiant
Crew of The Wedding Banquet
Full backstage crew list →
