The Wedding Banquet (2025) - Film Review

      The Wedding Banquet, 2025.

      Directed by Andrew Ahn.

      Featuring Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Han Gi-chan, Joan Chen, Youn Yuh-jung, Bobo Le, Camille Atebe, Jeffrey Liang, Emma Yi, Françoise Yip, Marlee Walchuk, Jeremy Hoffman, Sherine Menes, and Nick Preston.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A gay man strikes a deal with his lesbian friend: a green-card marriage for him in return for in vitro fertilization treatments for her. Their plans take a turn when Min’s grandmother surprises them with a traditional Korean wedding banquet.

      The Wedding Banquet offers a heartfelt LGBTQ perspective on the theme of chosen family. Co-writer/director Andrew Ahn collaborates with James Schamus to modernize the 1993 Ang Lee film, and wisely avoids centering the narrative around a single character. By shifting focus among the ensemble, whether depicting them in solitude, at work, or engaged in activities, viewers gain a deeper insight into their identities. This is essential as they are portrayed as flawed individuals who make mistakes, and may initially come off as unlikable or selfish.

      Min, an aspiring fashion designer, finds that his grandmother, played by Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-jung as Ja-Young, believes he has indulged in his artistic pursuits in America for long enough and urges him to return to Korea to join the family business. To counter her wishes, he decides to pursue a green card. Additionally, Min is gay and in a relationship with Chris, portrayed by Bowen Yang—something his grandmother is unaware of. In a moment of uncertainty about his future, he proposes to Chris, wanting to elevate their relationship.

      While it may seem that their love is in question, the couple is indeed affectionate. However, Chris struggles with commitment, leading to his hesitance. He understands that Min is eager for the green card, but he also realizes he is cherished. Their argument sparks Min's plan to offer IVF funding to their friend Lee (Lily Gladstone) in exchange for a green-card marriage with her partner Angela (Kelly Marie Tran). It raises the question of why Min, who is financially stable, isn’t already providing support for them to try once more after prior IVF failures, especially as he seems indifferent about wealth or a lavish lifestyle.

      Meanwhile, Angela navigates her complex relationship with a mother (Joan Chen) who had been previously homophobic, or at least disappointed, but who has since become an acclaimed LGBTQ activist. Angela grapples with the perception that people only see one side of her mother, raising concerns that, despite her mother’s activism, marrying a man may overshadow her efforts and invoke skepticism about their validity.

      In contrast to Lee, who cherishes their shared family home and longs to be a mother, the other characters initially appear self-centered. Min’s emotional speech about loving Chris carries some truth, yet it also reveals his opportunistic side, suggesting an ambivalent stance on marriage. This dynamic is not entirely endearing, especially as tensions rise when Chris and Angela’s commitment issues lead them to avoid confronting their problems maturely.

      The filmmakers acknowledge the imperfections of these characters, unflinchingly addressing their errors and ultimately portraying them as complex, human, and even relatable despite their shortcomings. The narrative largely avoids humor, favoring a more sincere approach. Each cast member delivers emotionally resonant performances, making it challenging to pick a standout. Cinematographer Ki Jin Kim's sensitive framing allows the actors’ body language to convey deeper meanings.

      Meanwhile, Ja-Young makes an unexpected trip to the U.S. to ensure the wedding adheres to traditional customs, resulting in a humorous sequence where the friends hurriedly attempt to remove anything deemed "gay" or LGBTQ from the house. However, their efforts are in vain as the grandmother quickly perceives the truth, showcasing Youn Yuh-jung’s impressive acting with minimal dialogue.

      Conclusively, the wedding proceeds with Min and Angela pretending, as canceling it would raise suspicions. Naturally, comedic chaos ensues, yet the strength of The Wedding Banquet lies in its examination of these intricate characters, leading to a poignant resolution that speaks to the concept of found family.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.