by Natalia Cherepanova

BFI Flare’s 39th edition started with The Wedding Banquet, a modern reimagining of Ang Lee’s 1993 film. Directed by Andrew Ahn and co-written with James Schamus, this version brings the story into today’s world, following a queer couple as they navigate relationships, family expectations, and cultural traditions. The film blends humour with heartfelt moments, making it a fitting choice to open the festival.

A Fresh Take on Romance and Family

Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet stands out as more than just a retelling. It reshapes the original’s themes to fit modern-day realities. The film leans into the complexities of queer relationships, particularly around marriage and parenthood, exploring the pressures that come with making these life choices. The script balances heartfelt moments with sharp wit, making it a rom-com that does not just entertain but also sparks conversation.

The film’s standout quality is its natural chemistry among the cast. Bowen Yang and Han Gi-Chan bring an effortless charm to their dynamic, while Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran offer an emotionally rich portrayal of a couple facing life-changing decisions. Reviewers have praised the film’s ability to switch seamlessly between lighthearted humour and deep emotional beats, creating a rhythm that keeps audiences engaged throughout.

A Star-Studded Q&A

Andrew Ahn (Director and Co-Writer): “The Wedding Banquet was the first queer film I ever saw. My mom rented it from a video store when I was a kid, not realising it was a queer film, and we ended up watching it as a family. At the time, I did not fully understand why it resonated with me, but looking back, I see that the first gay film I ever saw was also a gay Asian film. It showed queer characters with humanity, something that was rare. That film put me on this path as a storyteller.”

On why he took on the project: “At first, I did not want to make this movie. It felt like such a daunting task. But then I thought about how much has changed for the queer community since 1993. Yes, queer people can marry now, but the question my partner and I always discuss is, should we? Do we actually want to? And then there is the topic of having children. When my boyfriend and I talked about it, he said, ‘If it happens, it happens.’ And I thought, no, it does not just happen! As queer people, we have to be extremely intentional about having kids, and any hesitation can feel like a huge obstacle. That felt deeply unfair because queer people make such wonderful caretakers. These conversations felt personal to me, and I realised there was a rich, nuanced story to tell.”

Bowen Yang (Plays Chris): "Bo-Bo is a local in Vancouver, where we shot the film. Sorry to ruin the illusion, but it is supposed to be Seattle! From the moment we met, we clicked. He is so warm and giving, and his humour keeps me on my toes. Our first scene together was in nature, and that really helped set the tone for our dynamic. There was a natural ease to our chemistry, which made everything feel effortless."

James Schamus (Co-Writer and Producer): “When we were approached about reimagining The Wedding Banquet, my first response was, ‘Absolutely not.’ But then I thought, if someone like Andrew was behind it, I wanted to be part of it. I have worked with Ang Lee on multiple films, and I felt protective of this one. But seeing Andrew’s take, I knew he was making something fresh while respecting the heart of the original. It was not just a remake, it was a reimagining that brings in a whole new generation’s perspective.”

Han Gi-Chan (Plays Min): “For me, the challenge was finding the right balance between comedy and drama. I did not want to force the humour, I wanted it to come naturally. I found that the best way to do that was not to separate the comedy from the drama but to let them exist together, just like in real life. Life itself is a mix of humour and hardship, and that is what I tried to reflect in my performance.”

Kelly Marie Tran (Plays Angela): “Working on this film felt really effortless in the best way. The chemistry with my co-stars happened so naturally. Andrew created such a comfortable space on set where we could try things, improvise, and even fail without judgment. That is so important when you are making something this special. It allowed us to be playful, which really made the characters feel real and lived-in.”

Joan Chen (Plays Angela’s Mother): “What drew me to this story is how it explores parenting as a constant learning process. As parents, we want the best for our children, but we do not always get it right. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, we make mistakes and end up hurting them. That is something I have experienced personally, so I felt very connected to my character.”

A Lighter Role for Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone (Plays Lee): “Most people know me for serious, dramatic roles, but anyone who has known me for a long time knows that I have always been a very animated, goofy person. My film career has been built on subtlety and drama, but this film gave me the chance to be more expressive and playful. It did not feel like stretching my comedy muscles, it felt like finally being able to show another side of myself. I loved getting to bring that energy to this role.”

A Film to Celebrate Queer Joy

BFI Flare’s host called The Wedding Banquet “a joyous comedy about love, family, and being millennials out in the world.” The audience’s response confirmed that, with laughter and applause filling the room.

Andrew Ahn (Final Thoughts): “The film comes out in theatres on May 9th. If you liked it, tell your friends!”

‍

Tickets for The Wedding Banquet here:

https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/flare/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=wedding-banquet-flare25

‍