It is officially May, which means it is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! AAPIHM is a time dedicated to celebrating the role and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. It is also a time to honor the diverse cultures that encompass the AAPI community. To celebrate the occasion, EnVi has put together a list with some of our favorite romantic comedies with AAPI leads.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding, the film follows Rachel (Wu) as she travels to Singapore for a wedding with her boyfriend Nick (Golding). After discovering Nick’s wealthy family background, Rachel clashes with Nick’s mother, played by none other than Michelle Yeoh. At the time of its release, Crazy Rich Asians was the first major studio film to feature a predominantly Asian cast since The Joy Luck Club in 1993.
Saving Face (2004)
When Wilhelmina “Wil” (Michelle Krusiec) falls in love with Vivian (Lynn Chen), she is desperate to keep the relationship a secret from her traditional mother, Hwei-Lan (Joan Chen). When Hwei-Lan becomes pregnant out of wedlock, she is kicked out by Wil’s grandmother. Wil discovers she is not the only one whose relationship challenges the societal and cultural norms surrounding them. Directed by Alice Wu, Saving Face was one of the only mainstream Hollywood films centered on Chinese Americans at the time.
Plus One (2019)
With a summer of weddings ahead of them, single friends Alice (Maya Erskine) and Ben (Jack Quaid) agree to be each other’s plus-ones for the weddings they’ve been invited to. In addition to their arrangement, Alice also agrees to help Ben meet women at the weddings. As the film progresses, Ben and Alice navigate their feelings for one another and the challenges they bring. The film was directed by Jeff Chan, and premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2019 where it was the recipient of the Narrative Audience Award.
Fire Island (2022)
Directed by Andrew Ahn, Fire Island is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. The story follows a group of gay friends on their annual vacation to Fire Island Pines, a destination known for its popular LGBTQ+ scene. Joel Kim Booster, who also wrote the film, plays Noah, the counterpart to Elizabeth Bennet. The character of Will, played by Conrad Ricamora, takes the shape of Mr. Darcy. The film also stars Bowen Yang as Noah’s close friend, Howie, based on Jane Bennet and Charlotte Lucas. Well received by critics and audiences, Fire Island was the winner of the Outstanding Film on Streaming and TV at the 34th GLAAD Media Awards. The film also received the Ensemble Tribute at the 32nd Gotham Film Awards.
Crush (2022)
The film follows aspiring artist Paige (Rowan Blanchard), who joins her high school track team in hopes of getting closer to her longtime crush, Gabby. In the process, she finds herself falling for Gabby’s sister, AJ (Auliʻi Cravalho). Nominated alongside Fire Island for Outstanding Film on Streaming or TV at the 34th GLAAD Media Awards, Crush is a lighthearted coming-of-age romantic comedy with a cheesy romance you can’t help but root for.
Looking for more films? Check out our roundup of Asian movies selected for 79th The Cannes Film Festival!
