Can you do self-insemination at home ?
One of the major challenges of being virtually invisible in Hollywood — and often in broader American society unless it’s to serve as a tool against other marginalized groups — is the pressure to make every project a standout. Each film, series, play, or album feels like it has to be groundbreaking or revolutionary.
This sentiment resonates with my thoughts on “Boogie,” the directorial debut from writer, producer, and restaurateur Eddie Huang. The film centers on Alfred “Boogie” Chin, a Chinese American high school basketball player (played by Taylor Takahashi) aiming for the NBA. With his parents pushing him to secure a basketball scholarship at a Division I school, Boogie navigates the complexities of a new high school, his girlfriend, a rival team, and the heavy burden of parental expectations.
Much like its central character, “Boogie” grapples with the weight of expectations from the Asian American community, compounded by fierce market competition and the typical growing pains of a first-time director. While “Boogie” isn’t a failure, it isn’t a masterpiece either. It’s a decent film — refreshing in its portrayal of race as both present and absent simultaneously.
“Boogie” offers a satisfying quietness, initially appearing to follow a standard underdog sports formula. Yet, it transcends that narrative. Like Asian Americans themselves, “Boogie” resists being confined to a single genre; it exists in a space between. At its core, the film explores love — for parents, oneself, significant others, and the game itself.
Why “Boogie” Matters
Yes, it’s a cliché at this point, but representation is crucial. Seeing characters who reflect our backgrounds, families, and cultures is transformative, especially when such depictions are rare. Diverse stories within a single race are equally important. As Huang mentioned in an interview with journalist Vicky Nguyen, “The Asian American lens and experience is so important for everyone around the world to pay attention to, because of how unique it is. We all have an insight to offer.”
When the portrayals of your community are restricted to one narrative, it can lead to a disconnection from your identity. The dominant representation of Asian Americans has historically focused on East Asians. If I, as a Taiwanese Chinese American, struggle to see myself in the limited portrayals available, how must others from different backgrounds feel?
Asian Americans are not a monolith. We’re more than the typical immigrant story or the stereotype of the nerd or martial artist. We can be athletes, engage in cross-cultural relationships, and have English-speaking parents without accents. We can celebrate our rich history and contribute to sports narratives, as illustrated by figures like Michael Chang.
What “Boogie” Gets Right
There were moments in “Boogie” that made me cringe, particularly the fortune-telling scenes, which felt overdone and highlighted some uneven Mandarin speaking among the cast. However, the acting, while not always stellar, conveyed genuine emotion and authenticity.
What I appreciated most was the attention to detail. No two Chinese or Taiwanese households are the same, but the film captured enough nuances that resonated with my own experiences. From the expectations parents have for their children to the dynamics of their arguments, it felt familiar.
The film also portrayed Boogie’s vulnerability with sensitivity, particularly in his relationship with his girlfriend, Eleanor (played by Taylour Paige). It thoughtfully addressed stereotypes surrounding Asian men and their masculinity. The film avoided the pitfalls of neutering its lead character, unlike other films that have failed to portray Asian male protagonists compellingly.
Surprisingly, I found the ending refreshing (no spoilers here!), diverging from the typical sports movie or romance conclusions. It felt like a realistic portrayal of both an ending and a new beginning.
Why Good Enough is Great
Is “Boogie” the next “Minari”? Not even close. Is it on par with “Harold and Kumar”? No way! But, honestly, I’m not concerned about that. If mediocre shows like “Everybody Loves Raymond” can run for nine seasons, then there’s room for films like “Dr. Ken” to have longer lifespans too.
I want to see a plethora of Asian narratives, alongside countless stories from people of color and the LGBTQIA+ community. I want all non-white stories to flood the market, representing excellence, mediocrity, and everything in between. We need the full spectrum, including the not-so-great and even the outright bad.
In summary, “Boogie” represents a step toward greater representation of Asian Americans in film, showcasing a diverse range of experiences and identities. The film may not be perfect, but it’s a necessary part of the conversation around Asian American storytelling.