Movies

The Wedding Banquet Is a Joyous Update to a Queer Classic

BBG News

Experiencing the joy of bringing up children and welcoming them into the world is commonly viewed as one of life’s greatest pleasures. However, for some eager parents-to-be, simply allowing events to unfold naturally isn’t always feasible. Couples who identify as gay may opt for adoption or create unique family structures that deviate from the traditional mother-father setup. Similarly, same-sex couples encounter fertility issues, much like heterosexual couples do. The anticipation of grandparents further complicates matters, leading one to wonder how any child is eventually born.

Andrew Ahn’s remake of Ang Lee’s 1993 film titled “The Wedding Banquet” explores themes of shared experiences rather than divisions in contemporary America, a society that embraces homosexuality but may not always do so, and celebrates various types of families, yet sometimes overlooks them. Add to this mix cultural discrepancies, and conflicts are bound to arise.

However, in a delightfully cheerful manner, the fresh take on “Wedding Banquet” reminds us that valuable things seldom come without effort. It’s an enjoyable and heartfelt portrayal, albeit perhaps not as subtly poignant as the original. Yet, it concludes with the same profound message: those we cherish most are always worth standing up for.

Angela will marry Min to stay legally in the country, and in return, Min will pay for Lee’s expensive IVF treatments. The plan becomes tricky when Ja-Young unexpectedly arrives in Seattle for a visit, intending to arrange a traditional Korean wedding for her grandson and his bride. She is unaware that Min is gay, and keeping this secret from her is crucial, or so Min believes.

In a refreshing twist for the 2022 romantic comedy “Fire Island,” originally directed by Ahn and co-written by James Schamus, the original narrative has been revamped to be lighter and more spontaneous. Similar to the initial film, the wedding ceremony remains the climax: Min, adorned in traditional Korean attire, gracefully enters the reception hall with an air of maturity that suggests he’s a seasoned adult, despite his youthful artist persona. Angela, shedding her casual hoodie style for a bridal gown, strives to maintain the solemnity of the event; however, a secret burden she carries disrupts the ceremony and strains the relationships of both couples.

As a fan, I must say this fresh take on “Wedding Banquet” is largely humorous and swift-paced. When I discover my grandmother is en route, Angela, Lee, and Chris have barely 45 minutes to transform their cozy-disheveled abode into something presentable. They swiftly move an Elliot Page memoir from the coffee table, pondering if an elderly Korean woman would comprehend a Lilith Fair poster’s meaning. To err on the side of caution, they also decide to conceal that as well.

The atmosphere in this “Wedding Banquet” deviates significantly from Lee’s original, concluding with a mix of bittersweet and tender feelings as it explored how children may struggle to fulfill their parents’ dreams. However, Ahn’s adaptation possesses unique merits, such as a tranquil, profound ending that underscores a universally accepted fact: there is no typical family structure; instead, the bonds of love and commitment are what truly define a family. In 1993, Lee’s “Wedding Banquet” resonated with many young individuals who faced challenges in revealing their sexuality to their parents. By 2025, the fight for gay rights has evolved into fresh battles. A moment of laughter is needed—and what could be more fitting than a wedding, which symbolizes celebration and hope for the future?

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2025-04-18 15:06

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