Review— The Joy Luck Club: Directed by Wayne Wang
It takes courage to leave behind a life that you once knew and to start over again. Often one must choose what parts of themselves they must leave behind and the ones that they will bring. It is a journey that often challenges one to change in ways they barely recognize. It is the opportunity to begin afresh. However, even moving to a different continent will not wipe your slate clean completely.
This is the premise of The Joy Luck Club. The book and its film adaptation follow the lives of four fictional Chinese immigrant women and their American-born children. Despite its fictional premise, the conditions that the women endured both in China and in the United States are genuine. The trials and tribulations as the women leave feudal China and move to San Francisco don't stop upon their arrival. If anything, each woman must reckon with her own legacy as they all raise an American-born daughter.
The book was published in 1989 and was adapted to screen by Wayne Wang. The screenplay was written by Amy Tan and Ronald Bass. Together, these three artists delivered a celebration of the human spirit. While its themes are focused on the experiences of Chinese immigrant women and their American-born descendants, it simultaneously wrestles with universal human struggles.
Every week, the four women gather for a game of traditional game of Chinese mahjong. Together, they play, laugh, and reminisce. Ming-Na Wen plays the titular role of Wu Jingmei (June). Shortly after her Mom's passing, June learns that before her mother’s arrival to the America— she had two other children. Only she left them behind in China.
These half-siblings are still alive.
Jingmei is not the only one whose mother has a past. Each of the four women have their own experiences which drove them to sacrifice everything they knew— not only for themselves but for the next generation. As their daughters grow up and start building lives in America…the cultural clashes both at home and in the outside world leave their marks. Both the book and film also reveal the trials each family endured in coming to America. Ones that simultaneously challenge the stereotype of the “Model Minority” while also recognizing the tough choices that were made and their dedication to excellence.
The film garnered critical attention and praise, celebrating its nuance and moving storyline. The United States Library of Congress even selected The Joy Luck Club to join the National Film Registry. It was entered on the grounds of being, “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
This film explored a lot of profound themes on family, womanhood, community, immigration, and fortune. Each of the women and their daughters have complex narratives. All of them have to reconcile with the past so they may move on to the future. Each of the characters brings a new perspective and the film does an impressive job of weaving their narratives together using voice-overs.
One of my favorite quotes from the film goes:
That bad crab, only you tried to take it. Everybody else want best quality. You, your thinking different. Waverly took best-quality crab. You took worst, because you have best-quality heart. You have style no one can teach. Must be born this way. I see you.
This quote speaks to heart of not only one character but the themes of the film itself. These women were willing to start anew in another country, knowing they may not be honored or recognized for their efforts. Yet they were willing to undergo that journey and risk everything to start again. It was an opportunity to not only break away from what they felt stifled them but also to build anew. It is a profound film that speaks to the themes of resilience and self-determination.
The Joy Luck Club is quintessential viewing for anyone who wants to celebrate Chinese Americans— and by extension Asian Americans. Regardless of ethnic identity, these people contributed a lot to American culture. We would not be here without the love and sacrifices of Chinese Americans and their families, especially those who were brave enough to leave China.
Please be aware that the film is rated R and does feature some intense moments. The film is available to watch on Hulu. Check out the trailer here.
