The Wedding Banquet

Though he has directed several modern classics, one of Ang Lee’s best films is often overlooked. His 1993 film The Wedding Banquet is a lovely romcom about two gay men who use a green card marriage to hide their relationship that often goes overlooked in the pantheon of queer cinema. It may be more commercial fare, but it is nonetheless authentic, emotional, and enjoyable. Yet despite an Academy Award nomination, the film never quite got its due. Sadly, it seems as though Andrew Ahn’s 2025 remake will be headed for a similar fate due to how underviewed it is even though it is equally wonderful. While it differs heavily from the original, it stays true to what makes it so great and finds its own voice with the material. 

Ahn takes the potentially cliche trope of two queer couples “playing straight” to their benefit and reinvents it in this absolute blast of a film. The way it reinvents the original’s premise is deeply enjoyable and feels updated for the times, especially since the comedic aspect of the trope departs after about two scenes. Rather than spend two hours rehashing somewhat outdated bits, the film decides to be more earnest and realistic in today’s thankfully more progressive world. We spend more time with the two couples and flesh out their struggles before the arrival of a conservative grandmother causes all of their bubbling insecurities to explode. Don’t get me wrong, the film is still funny, but it’s not exactly the joke-a-minute comedy you might expect for a film starring Bowen Yang. At the same time, it makes perfect sense for the man behind Fire Island (which also starred Bowen Yang!), which was equally touching and intelligent. 

Like Ahn’s last film, the ensemble of The Wedding Banquet is truly extraordinary. From recent Oscar nominees Lily Gladstone and Youn Yuh-Jung to cinematic icon Joan Chen to the always delightful Bowen Yang and Kelly Marie Tran to the film’s subtle standout Han Gi-chan, the ensemble as a whole brings so much life to the heartfelt story being depicted. There is a quiet sadness in the film that I didn’t quite expect coming into it that grounds the dynamics between all of the characters, crafting something I was surprisingly invested in. I was incredibly emotional throughout the film as I rooted for everyone to resolve their issues.

I was very excited for this film as a fan of both Fire Island and the original The Wedding Banquet. However, I absolutely wasn’t expecting to be this delighted with it. I unfortunately think this will be one of the best films to fall under people’s radar this year, but I sincerely hope to be proven wrong. If you have any interest in the film, do yourself a favor and check out this immensely charming gem. 

8/10