One of the significant challenges of being largely marginalized in Hollywood—and in American society at large, unless portrayed as a means to create division among people of color—is the constant pressure to deliver standout projects. Every film or show must feel like a groundbreaking achievement, as if it’s the first of its kind.
This sentiment resonates with my feelings about “Boogie,” the debut film from writer, producer, and restaurateur Eddie Huang. The film chronicles the journey of Alfred “Boogie” Chin (played by Taylor Takahashi), a Chinese American high school basketball player aspiring to enter the NBA. Faced with parental pressures to secure a basketball scholarship at a Division I school, Boogie navigates the complexities of high school, romance, rivalry, and familial expectations.
“Boogie” seems to struggle under the weight of expectations placed on Asian Americans, grappling with both market competition and rookie missteps. It’s not a terrible film, but it doesn’t quite reach greatness either. It stands out as an acceptable movie—refreshing in its portrayal of race, where it neither dominates nor disappears.
While “Boogie” offers a satisfying viewing experience, it initially appears to promise a conventional underdog sports story. However, it transcends that typical narrative. Much like the Asian American experience itself, “Boogie” occupies a unique space. At its core, the film explores love—love for family, self, romantic partners, and the sport itself.
Why “Boogie” Matters
It may sound cliché, but representation is vital. Seeing characters who look like you, have similar family dynamics, and share cultural experiences can be transformative, especially when such portrayals are rare. Within the Asian American community, there are countless stories waiting to be told. As Huang mentioned in an interview, the Asian American perspective is unique and deserves global attention.
When the media predominantly presents a singular narrative about Asian Americans—often focused on East Asians—it raises questions about identity and belonging, particularly for those who don’t see themselves reflected in the limited representation. Asian Americans are not a monolithic group; we embody diverse stories that go beyond stereotypes of immigrants, nerds, or martial arts experts. We can excel in sports, engage in cross-cultural relationships, and have parents who speak fluent English without accents.
What “Boogie” Gets Right
While there were moments in “Boogie” that made me cringe—such as the kitschy fortune-telling scenes, which felt overdone—the film’s authenticity shone through in its details. Although not all Chinese or Taiwanese households are identical, the film captured enough nuances to resonate with my own experiences as a Taiwanese Chinese American. The interactions between Boogie and his parents felt genuine and relatable.
I appreciated the film’s depiction of vulnerability, especially in Boogie’s relationship with Eleanor (played by Taylour Paige) as they navigate intimacy. The film sensitively addresses stereotypes about Asian male identity and sexuality, which is refreshing. Moreover, I found the film’s unconventional ending—a departure from typical sports or romance films—refreshingly realistic.
Why Being “Good Enough” Is Great
Is “Boogie” the next “Minari”? Not at all. Does it measure up to “Harold and Kumar”? Not really! But that’s okay. If shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond” can thrive for nine seasons, then average projects like “Dr. Ken” deserve more than just two seasons.
I yearn for a plethora of Asian stories, stories from people of color, and narratives representing the LGBTQIA+ community. I want a flood of diverse voices in media so that we can showcase excellence, mediocrity, and everything in between. I even welcome the less-than-stellar productions.
In conclusion, we need more Asian American films like “Boogie.” Each story adds to the rich tapestry of representation and diversity that our media landscape desperately needs.
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Summary
The article emphasizes the importance of Asian American representation in film, using “Boogie” as a case study. It explores the unique narratives within the Asian American community and advocates for diverse storytelling in media beyond stereotypes. Ultimately, the piece calls for more films like “Boogie” that reflect the multifaceted experiences of Asian Americans.