Chinese American Cinema Today
Keywords:
Chinese American cinema, Hollywood stereotypes, Year of the Dragon, King of New York, representationAbstract
This article examines the emergence of a new Chinese American cinema as a response to stereotypical representations in mainstream Hollywood films. It contrasts films such as Year of the Dragon, China Girl, and King of New York, which reinforce negative stereotypes, with works produced by Chinese American filmmakers. The article argues that these alternative films challenge reductive portrayals by presenting Chinese Americans as complex individuals rather than exoticized or criminalized figures. Focusing on family dynamics within an “immigrant” genre, the study highlights a shift toward more nuanced and humane representations. It concludes that this cinematic transformation reflects broader social changes in minority representation.References
"Chinese Takeout. Wayne Wang Interviewed by David Thomson." Film Comment 21.5 (1985): 23-28.
"Chink!" A Documentary History of Anti-Chinese Prejudice in America. Ed. Cheng-Tsu Wu. New York: World, 1972.
Corliss, Richard. "Pacific Overtures." Time 13 September 1993: 70.
"Dialogue On Film: Wayne Wang."American Film 11.9 (1986): 17-19.
Jackson, Donald Dale. "Behave Like Your Actions Reflect on All Chinese." Smithsonian 21 (1991): 114-118
Jones, Dorothy B. The Portrayal of China and India on the American Screen, 1896-1955: The Evolution of Chinese and Indian Themes, Locales, and Characters as Portrayed on the American Screen. Cambridge, MA: Center for International Studies, MIT, 1955. 28-36.
Wong, Terri. "From Ah Sin to Kwai Chang."The Life, Influence and Role of the Chinese in the United States, 1776-1960. Proceedings/Papers of the National Conference held at the University of San Francisco, July 10-12, 1975. San Francisco: Chinese Historical Society of America, 1976: 170.
