Asian Representation in Movies (Matt)

 

Asian Representations in film have come a long way. Today the representation of Asians in film are looking up, but still have a way to go on gaining a complete representation. In earlier films it was usually a white actor or actress that portrayed an Asian character in film. One of the most notable instances of this was in the American classic Breakfast at Tiffany's with the character Mr. Yunioshi played by Mickey Rooney.While this character has been widely argued to be one of the most racist portrayals of someone of Asian descent it is one of the most famous movies in American culture.

One of the most iconic Asian actors was Bruce Lee. He was world renowned and now is an iconic symbol, not just for an Asian actor, but for all of the movie industry. His on camera movements and actions were so fast that they would have to be slowed down in post-production. He was a symbol of power and strength, but his iconic movements led to the imitations and endless reproduction of Asian Americans and martial arts. As this did give a chance for many actors such as Jet Li, and Jackie Chan to be in leading roles they still needed that marital arts influence to be a lead actor in a movie.

 

 With today's film industry the future is looking brighter than in the past with such talents as John Cho from the Harold and Kumar films, as well as, being in the hit 2009 film Star Trek. Lucy Liu in her roles in the Charlie's Angels movies amongst many other roles. Justin Chon for his role in the very popular Twilight series of movies, and Aaron Yoo for acting in such hits as '21' and Disturbia. Ken Watanabe  in Batman Begins and for acting in the smash 2010 hit Inception. Ken Jeong, who is actually a medical doctor, who played in such movies as Knocked Up and The Hangover, and is recently the face of an advertising campaign for Adidas.

Lucy Liu

Justin Chon

Aaron Yoo

Ken Watanabe

Ken Jeon

John Cho

So, with all of these actors playing in many roles throughout the film world one would think it would be a promising sight. Although this is very promising Hollywood is still struggling to get itself away from misrepresenting Asians in film. M. Night Shyamalan's Avatar: The Last Airbender which is based on a cartoon depicting Asian characters was cast with a majority of white actors causing a large backlash in what many were calling a "whitewash", where characters of different ethnicity's are played by white actors. It is something that can not be escaped and although we have come a long way from Mickey Rooney's portrayal in Breakfast at Tiffany's, have we really come that far?

Rob Schneider - I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)