DISQUS

8Asians.com: Watching Sulu (and other Asian Roles) at the Movies

  • JC · 7 months ago
    Yup, same here. I went to see Star Trek twice (once with my wife! She loved it too!), and I did it to support John Cho. I was a bit of a fan in the 90's, but I haven't been interested in the material for years (I also supported Star Trek Voayger because of the Asian main character). Just like you, I am keenly aware which show has non-stereotypical Asian main characters and I will follow it as much as I can. This is why I am watching Lost, Heroes, and, gasp, The Mentalist every week. I even watch those dreadful Sci-Fi channel D-movie of the week because they sometimes feature Asians as leads. I love the web-drama "The Guide" even though I'm not a gamer, but due to the fact that two Asian males were romantic leads.

    But we all know from reading Angry Asian Man how Hollywood is really treating Asians, so while I do what I can do support AA in mainstream entertainment, I'm frustrated more often than not. I'm now mostly apathetic toward almost everything else out there, be they white-washed TV or movies. Now I find myself watching more Asian dramas and shows, and cool AA-created videos on youtube. Yeah Wong Fu may never make it in Hollywood, but at least they can't take them off youtube.
  • Tristan · 7 months ago
    Totally agree. John Cho was the highlight of the movie.

    Isn't the main theme of 'Better Luck Tomorrow' about APAs dealing with the expectations placed upon them by society? The story is unique in that it focuses on an under-discussed issue that revolves around a racial perspective. Attempting to market the characters as 'ambiguous' seems counterproductive and just plain idiotic. MTV has and always will be a waste of a network.
  • John · 7 months ago
    Ummm, I have to disagree that John Cho was the highlight of the movie - though I did like him as Sulu. Cho honestly did not have that much screen time or dialogue, especially when compared to Kirk, Spock, Bones, Scott, - or even Uhura, but more screen time than Chekhov.
  • Mary · 7 months ago
    I thought the movie pulled off a nice subversion: the "fencing" line was played for laughs, but only a few minutes later Sulu was brawling out two massive Romulans while Kirk got his ass kicked. If it wasn't "the" highlight, it was definitely one among many.
  • SaBinh · 7 months ago
    ok,,,now i'm curious how he's gonna act in the movie
  • Linda · 7 months ago
    Agreed w/ you, John--I wish John Cho had a bigger role in the movie. He wasn't in very many scenes. And agreed w/ Mary--that was one of the best scenes! I was so proud of him saving Kirk's butt. I hope to see more movies starring Asian Americans in roles that are not necessarily about being Asian American. But I won't hold my breath. :P
  • jee · 7 months ago
    Yes! I LOVED that scene where Sulu saves Kirk. I cheered and clapped. My friend thought I was a freak.
  • Tristan · 7 months ago
    John Cho freakin' 'Pulp-Fictioned' that Romulan..it was the highlight of the movie for me. And while Sulu didn't have that much screen time or dialogue (I heard they actually cut one of his scenes), I still was most excited to see Cho as Sulu.