Andrew Ahn updates Ang Lee's classic with fresh queer narrative
- Ahn's remake explores themes of love and cultural representation amidst contemporary societal norms.
- The storytelling focuses on Min's complicated relationship dynamics and the pressures from family expectations.
- The film celebrates diversity within queer representation while also highlighting cultural ceremonies.
In the United States, a remake of Ang Lee's 1993 romantic dramedy premiered on April 18, 2025. Directed by Andrew Ahn, the updated film presents a contemporary lens on similar themes of love, marriage, and cultural representation. The narrative follows Min, a gay man, who proposes a green card marriage to his friend Angela to help her partner's expensive IVF treatments. This marriage arrangement leads to unexpected complications, particularly when Min's grandmother surprises them with a grand Korean wedding banquet, forcing him to conceal his true relationship with Chris, his partner. Director Andrew Ahn expressed the profound impact of Ang Lee's original on his career and vision, stating it inspired him to create films focusing on queer representation. The film offers viewers a glimpse into the complexities of what it means to build queer families and what visibility looks like in today’s context. Ahn emphasized the celebration of how queer families are formed, which he feels is underrepresented on screen. Among the cast, Bowen Yang noted the relevancy of the storyline to his own experience of being in the closet from his parents, alluding to the personal connection many of the cast members feel towards the film's themes. The conversations around this remake reflect a shift in storytelling that honors both the original text and the evolving narrative spaces for queer and Asian identities. Gladstone, Tran, and Yang participated in various promotional events, one being a Drag Brunch event, which was received positively by audiences and highlighted the film's cultural significance. The narrative challenges societal norms about marriage, identity, and acceptance while also innovating on how traditional ceremonies are portrayed in modern cinema. Critics have pointed out that, while relational dynamics and familial expectations remain pivotal, the film has chosen a more serious tone at the expense of humor that might otherwise enhance storytelling. As this remake aims to tackle current societal issues, it walks the fine line between cultural critique and entertainment, offering a glimpse into modern queer experiences in 2025 and the ongoing journey towards acceptance within both family and society at large.