### A New Perspective on *The Wedding Banquet* is a Success

Reimagining Ang Lee’s revered 1993 queer romantic comedy *The Wedding Banquet* is quite a task, yet *Fire Island* director Andrew Ahn excels in this adaptation.

Ahn’s interpretation fully embraces the charm and sentiment of Lee’s original, expertly navigating cultural customs, family pressures, and the delight of created families. Featuring an exceptional cast that delivers both comedic and profoundly moving performances, this contemporary rendition unfolds as a romantic whirlwind involving a plan that spirals out of control. Still, within the turmoil, clarity—and affection—shine through for these memorable characters.

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### What’s the Story of *The Wedding Banquet*?

This re-envisioning of *The Wedding Banquet* centers on two gay couples who have a close friendship, each grappling with significant life obstacles. An audacious proposal provides a temporary fix to their issues.

Ahn, teaming up with original co-writer James Schamus, shifts the setting from New York to Seattle, deepening the exploration of conflicts involving cultural customs, familial expectations, and queer identity in the present day.

Lily Gladstone (*Killers of the Flower Moon*) and Kelly Marie Tran (*The Last Jedi*) portray Lee and Angela, a lesbian couple burdened by the financial strain of IVF procedures. Simultaneously, Bowen Yang (*Wicked*) and Han Gi-Chan (*Our Song*) take on the roles of Chris and Min, a gay couple negotiating varying degrees of commitment—further complicated by Min’s impending student visa expiration.

Min, an accomplished artist who has not yet come out to his affluent Korean family, faces a tough decision: take a leadership position in his grandfather’s business or return to Korea. He intends to propose to Chris, his partner for five years, but fears financial fallout if his grandfather disapproves.

To resolve both couples’ predicaments, they come to an arrangement—Min and Angela will participate in a green-card marriage, utilizing Min’s family wealth to finance Angela and Lee’s IVF treatments. A straightforward city hall wedding appears to be the ideal plan.

However, when Min’s grandmother, Ja-Young (portrayed by Oscar winner Youn Yuh-jung of *Pachinko* and *Minari*), arrives to meet his fiancée and assist with wedding preparations, the plan escalates into a full-blown spectacle. Suddenly, the group has only one hour to “de-queer” their residence—hiding *The L Word* DVDs, Lilith Fair posters, and books by Tegan and Sara and Elliot Page. Will they succeed?

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### A Remarkable Cast Brings *The Wedding Banquet* to Life

The film’s ensemble delivers exceptional performances, enhancing the humor and emotional richness of the story.

Angela and Chris, longtime college friends, lean on each other (and tequila) to navigate their feelings. Tran and Yang inject a relatable anxiety of commitment into their roles—why make a life-altering choice when you can just drink with your best friend? Tran, particularly, showcases one of her finest performances to date, illustrating Angela’s escalating emotional struggle with subtlety. Conversely, Yang embraces physical comedy, turning Chris’ reluctance about commitment into something both funny and adorable. Bobo Le, as Chris’ fun-loving cousin Kendall, introduces an additional layer of humor and warmth.

In contrast, Min and Lee exhibit open-heartedness and patience, growing frustrated with their partners’ emotional barriers. Gladstone’s signature subdued strength transforms Lee into an immediately endearing character.

Han Gi-Chan nearly steals the spotlight as Min, his flawless comedic timing making him an excellent fit for the rom-com genre. His delivery turns even straightforward lines into moments of surprise hilarity or deep affection, echoing his notable performance in the South Korean gay drama *Where Your Eyes Linger*.

Joan Chen (*Didi*) shines as Angela’s mother, May, a PFLAG member so actively engaged in LGBTQ+ advocacy that she earns accolades for it. Her response to Angela’s superficial marriage humorously flips the usual rom-com parent trope: *“My daughter, marrying a man? Why did I spend years fighting for gay rights if this is what I get?”* However, beneath her vocal allyship, Angela feels resentment over her mother’s personal flaws, adding emotional complexity to their dynamic.

Nevertheless, the emotional core of the film resides in Min’s relationship with his grandmother, Ja-Young. Youn Yuh-jung gives a brilliant performance, balancing deadpan wit with tender moments of love and understanding. Her evolving connection with Min—coming to recognize him for who he truly is—forms one of the film’s most heartwarming narratives.

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### A Beautifully Captured Commendation of Queer Love

Beyond its humor and heartfelt narratives, *The Wedding Banquet* is visually captivating, showcasing the beauty of queer love and chosen families.

Ahn crafts