New Movies: The Wedding Banquet (2025) by Andrew Ahn

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" by Andrew Ahn: A Modern Queer Reimagining

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Andrew Ahn, serving as a contemporary reimagining of Ang Lee's iconic 1993 film of the same name. Set in Seattle, the film updates the classic premise to explore the complexities of modern queer relationships, family expectations, and cultural identity within the Asian American community.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32214413/

Link Review: https://deadline.com/2025/01/the-wedding-banquet-review-andrew-ahn-bowen-yang-kelly-marie-tran-lily-gladstone-remake-of-gay-classic-1236270255/

About movie: https://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/the-wedding-banquet

Link to watch: https://athome.fandango.com/content/browse/details/The-Wedding-Banquet/4142528?cmp=rt_leaderboard (US)

About the Movie

Andrew Ahn's "The Wedding Banquet (2025)" centers on two queer couples navigating life, love, and looming complications. Min, a South Korean art student facing visa expiration in the US, is in a long-term relationship with his commitment-phobic boyfriend, Chris. Meanwhile, their friends, a lesbian couple named Angela and Lee, are struggling to fund expensive in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments to have a child. Desperate to stay in the country with Chris, Min proposes a marriage of convenience to Angela in exchange for covering the costs of Lee's IVF. Their carefully constructed plan spirals into comedic and heartfelt chaos when Min's traditional grandmother unexpectedly arrives from Korea, insisting on throwing a lavish, traditional wedding banquet, forcing the couples to maintain an elaborate ruse.

Plot Summary

A Korean expat in a relationship with his boyfriend proposes a green-card marriage to his lesbian friend to solve his visa issues and fund her partner's IVF. Their plan goes awry when his traditional grandmother insists on throwing them a large, traditional wedding banquet, forcing them into an elaborate deception.

Director's Vision

Director Andrew Ahn aimed to honor the spirit and themes of Ang Lee's original film while updating the narrative for a contemporary audience. His vision was to explore the challenges and joys of queer family building, marriage, and navigating cultural traditions and expectations in the 21st century, particularly within the context of the Asian American experience. Ahn, being a queer Korean American filmmaker, infused his personal insights into the story, seeking to portray a nuanced and relatable depiction of queer partnerships and intergenerational relationships in immigrant households. He emphasized finding a balance between heartfelt drama and genuine humor, believing that love and human experience are inherently a mix of both. Ahn wanted the film to explore the "burden of choice" now that same-sex marriage is legal, and the complexities queer individuals face in deciding whether and how to engage with traditional institutions like marriage and parenthood. He also focused on the concept of "found family" and the intentionality required for queer people to build their own support systems and futures. Visually and tonally, he sought to create a joyful, exuberant, and fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.

Themes

• Queer Family Building and Marriage: The film directly addresses the contemporary experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating the desire for marriage and parenthood in a world where these were historically denied to them.

• Cultural Tradition vs. Modern Identity: A central theme is the tension between upholding traditional cultural expectations, particularly within Asian immigrant families, and embracing modern, queer identities and lifestyles.

• Generational Gaps: The film explores the misunderstandings and bridges between different generations within families, especially regarding acceptance of sexual orientation and life choices.

• Identity and Authenticity: Characters grapple with presenting authentic selves to their families and the world versus maintaining facades to meet expectations or navigate societal barriers.

• Love, Compromise, and Sacrifice: The various relationships in the film highlight the compromises and sacrifices individuals make for love, family, and the pursuit of their desires (like parenthood).

• Chosen Family: Alongside biological family dynamics, the film emphasizes the importance and beauty of the chosen family forged through friendship and shared experiences within the queer community.

• Immigration and Belonging: Like the original, the film touches on the challenges of immigration and the desire to belong and build a life in a new country.

Key Success Factors

• Modern Update of a Beloved Classic: Reimagining a critically acclaimed and culturally significant film with contemporary themes and a diverse cast generates significant interest.

• Strong Ensemble Cast: Featuring popular and talented actors like Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone, Kelly Marie Tran, Joan Chen, and Oscar-winner Youn Yuh-jung is a major draw.

• Relevant and Timely Themes: The film addresses contemporary issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ and Asian American communities, resonating with current social conversations.

• Andrew Ahn's Direction: Ahn is an acclaimed queer Korean American filmmaker known for his nuanced storytelling, lending artistic credibility to the project.

• Balance of Humor and Heart: Early reviews suggest the film successfully blends comedic elements with genuine emotional depth, a key to successful romantic comedy-dramas.

• Positive Festival Reception: Premiering at a prestigious festival like Sundance generated positive buzz and critical attention.

Summary Short

Andrew Ahn's "The Wedding Banquet (2025)" is a modern remake of Ang Lee's classic, following two queer couples in Seattle who orchestrate a green-card marriage for IVF funding, leading to comedic chaos when a traditional grandmother plans a wedding banquet.

Awards and Nominations

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" has received early recognition:

• Sundance Film Festival (2025): Winner of the Sundance Institute/Amazon Studios Producers Award.

• The Queerties: Nominated for the Next Big Thing award.

The film may be eligible for further awards and nominations as it receives wider release and critical consideration throughout 2025 and into 2026.

Critics Reception

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" has been met with generally positive reviews from critics following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and its subsequent theatrical release.

• The Film Stage: Praises the film as an "Endearing, Funny Remake" that "perfectly execute[s] the challenge" of updating the original, highlighting the performances and the blend of humor and pathos.

• Deep Focus Review: While preferring the original, acknowledges that Ahn's version is a "welcoming update" and "crowd-pleasing," with strong performances from Youn Yuh-jung and Joan Chen, despite finding some plot developments "over-the-top" and romantic chemistry lacking in some pairs.

• Should I See It: Recommends the film, noting its ability to "stand up to many repeat viewings," and appreciating its modern angle and impressive cast, though it mentions that the tonal shifts can be jarring for some.

• Brown Daily Herald: States the film "excels in portraying vulnerability," particularly in moments of reconciliation, despite some "cliche delivery" and a plot that tries to tackle too much, resulting in a movie with "no real core" for some.

• Age of the Geek: Describes it as a "Welcome Update" that explores how "Traditions evolve," praising the ensemble cast and the nuanced relationships, although noting some technical problems like shaky camera work and predictable moments.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics generally laud Andrew Ahn's "The Wedding Banquet" for its successful modernization of the original film's themes for a contemporary queer audience. The performances of the ensemble cast, particularly the veteran actresses, are widely praised, as is Ahn's ability to balance humor and heartfelt moments. While some reviews point out potential weaknesses in plot structure or tonal consistency, the overall reception is positive, recognizing the film as a relevant, charming, and emotionally resonant romantic comedy-drama.

Reviews

(Summaries based on available critical commentary):

• Positive Reviews: Highlight the film's fresh take on the original, its contemporary relevance, strong and diverse cast performances, effective blend of comedy and drama, and its exploration of important themes related to queer identity, family, and culture.

• Mixed/Critical Reviews: While often acknowledging the film's strengths, some reviews note a crowded storyline attempting to juggle too many character arcs, occasional tonal inconsistencies, or a perceived lack of romantic chemistry between certain couples.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews for "The Wedding Banquet (2025)" are predominantly positive, with critics appreciating its sensitive and humorous update of a classic story. The film is seen as a significant contribution to LGBTQIA+ and Asian American representation in romantic comedies.

Box Office

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" received a wide theatrical release in the United States on April 18, 2025, distributed by Bleecker Street. As of early May 2025, the film has grossed approximately $1.9 million domestically. International box office data is beginning to be reported as the film opens in territories like Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Germany in May and June 2025. Early international figures contribute to a current worldwide gross of around $1.9 million as well, suggesting the domestic market is the primary driver so far. Its box office performance is modest for a wide release but in line with expectations for an independent romantic comedy-drama with specific thematic focus.

Production

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" is a US production involving production companies ShivHans Pictures, Symbolic Exchange, and Kindred Spirit. James Schamus, who co-wrote and produced the original film, is also a producer and co-writer on this adaptation. The film was shot in Seattle, reflecting its setting.

Production Companies

• ShivHans Pictures (United States)

• Symbolic Exchange (United States)

• Kindred Spirit (United States)

Sales Companies

• Universal (World distribution) - Universal is handling the international sales and distribution for "The Wedding Banquet."

Distribution Companies

• Bleecker Street (United States - Theatrical)

• Universal (World Distribution - Theatrical)

• Decal (United States - Video Release)

• (Various other international distributors through Universal, e.g., in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Germany)

Release Date on Streaming

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" became available for video on demand (VOD) in the United States on May 13, 2025, distributed by Decal. Information on its availability on subscription streaming services (SVOD) is not yet widely announced, but Bleecker Street films often find their way to platforms like Hulu or other services with which they have output deals.

Theatrical Release

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It received a wide theatrical release in the United States on April 18, 2025. International theatrical releases commenced in various territories starting in May 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• A Fresh Take on a Classic Story: It successfully updates the premise of Ang Lee's beloved film for a contemporary audience, making it relevant to current discussions around queer identity and family.

• Excellent Ensemble Cast: The film features a talented and diverse cast delivering strong performances, particularly the interactions between the different generations and couples.

• Heartfelt and Humorous: It strikes a good balance between comedic situations arising from the deceptive premise and genuine emotional moments exploring the characters' vulnerabilities and relationships.

• Important Cultural Representation: The film provides valuable representation for queer and Asian American communities, exploring their specific experiences and challenges with nuance.

• Exploration of Contemporary Issues: It delves into themes like the complexities of modern queer relationships, the decision to marry and have children, and navigating family expectations in a changing world.

Why to Watch Movie

• If You Loved the Original: See how a classic story is thoughtfully modernized for a new generation.

• For the Cast: Enjoy the performances of a fantastic ensemble, including prominent LGBTQIA+ and Asian American actors and seasoned veterans.

• To See a Relevant LGBTQIA+ Story: Watch a film that addresses contemporary issues faced by the queer community with humor and sensitivity.

• Appreciate Cross-Cultural Themes: Explore the intersection of cultural traditions and modern identities within the Asian American experience.

• Enjoy a Smart Romantic Comedy: If you're looking for a romantic comedy that offers both laughs and genuine emotional depth.

What Movie Trend Film is Following

• Queer Cinema and Representation: The film directly contributes to the growing trend of increased representation and diverse storytelling within queer cinema, exploring contemporary issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community beyond coming-out narratives.

• Remakes with Modern Updates: It follows the trend of filmmakers revisiting classic films to offer updated perspectives and themes that resonate with current societal contexts.

• Asian American Stories and Representation: The film is part of the broader trend of increased focus on and production of films that tell diverse stories within the Asian American experience.

What Big Social Trend is Following

• Evolving Definitions of Family and Marriage: The film directly engages with the social trend of expanding definitions of family beyond traditional heterosexual norms, exploring the complexities and aspirations of queer individuals seeking marriage and parenthood and the concept of chosen family.

• Intergenerational and Intercultural Dialogue: The film reflects the ongoing social dynamic of navigating generational differences and cultural expectations, particularly in immigrant families, as younger generations embrace identities and lifestyles that may differ from those of their elders.

Final Verdict

"The Wedding Banquet (2025)" is a successful and timely reimagining of a beloved classic. Andrew Ahn skillfully updates the story's themes for a new era, offering a charming, humorous, and emotionally resonant look at queer relationships, family dynamics, and cultural identity within the Asian American community. Bolstered by a superb ensemble cast and a keen understanding of its characters' complexities, the film is a valuable contribution to contemporary queer and Asian American cinema. While it may not entirely escape some of the plot contrivances inherent in the premise, its warmth, humor, and thematic depth make it a highly engaging and relevant watch.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Approach Remakes with a Modern Lens: "The Wedding Banquet"'s success as a remake lies in its thoughtful updating of themes for a contemporary audience. Filmmakers considering remakes should identify how the original story can resonate with or be recontextualized for current societal conversations.

• Prioritize Authentic Representation: Andrew Ahn's personal connection to the story as a queer Korean American filmmaker is evident. Filmmakers should strive for authentic representation by involving individuals from the communities being depicted in key creative roles.

• Balance Comedy and Drama: The film's ability to blend humor and heartfelt moments is key to its impact. Filmmakers in the romantic comedy or dramedy genres should focus on finding this balance to create emotionally resonant and entertaining films.

• Develop Strong Ensemble Dynamics: The interactions between the various characters are central to the film. Filmmakers working with ensemble casts should invest time in developing the relationships and dynamics between all characters, not just the central ones.

• Explore the Nuances of Identity: The film delves into the complexities of navigating multiple identities (e.g., queer, Korean, American). Filmmakers should be encouraged to explore the intersectionality of identity with depth and nuance.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Invest in Remakes with Diverse Perspectives: Support remakes of classic films that offer opportunities to tell familiar stories through the lens of underrepresented communities and filmmakers.

• Champion LGBTQIA+ and Asian American Stories: Continue to actively greenlight and support projects that tell diverse stories from the LGBTQIA+ and Asian American communities, recognizing the audience demand and cultural importance of these narratives.

• Recognize the Value of Ensemble Casts: Support films that rely on strong ensemble performances and character-driven narratives, as these can be critically successful and resonate with audiences.

• Provide Marketing Support for Thematically Rich Comedies: Market romantic comedies that delve into meaningful social and cultural themes effectively, highlighting their substance as well as their entertainment value.

• Leverage Festival Buzz for Wider Distribution: Utilize positive reception and awards from prestigious film festivals like Sundance to secure wider theatrical and streaming distribution for independent and diverse films.

Final Conclusions

Andrew Ahn's "The Wedding Banquet (2025)" is a successful and emotionally resonant reimagining that proves the enduring power of Ang Lee's original story while making it distinctly relevant to contemporary queer and Asian American experiences. Through its charming blend of humor and heart, its strong ensemble cast, and its thoughtful exploration of identity, family, and tradition, the film stands as a significant contribution to diverse representation in cinema. Its positive reception signals a continued appetite for well-crafted stories that reflect the complexities of modern life and love.