The Wedding Banquet (1993) Review in 2025
A heartwarming and hilarious comedy about a gay man who pretends to be straight to please his parents, but things get complicated when he falls in love with a woman.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for young children due to mature themes and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves comedy, drama, or LGBTQ+ cinema. It's a beautifully crafted film with great performances, a engaging story, and a lot of heart.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie follows Wei-Wei, a gay man who marries a woman to please his parents, but things get complicated when he falls in love with a man named Wai- Jong. Meanwhile, his parents are trying to arrange a marriage for him, but Wei-Wei's secret is about to be exposed.
Review Details
story9.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a great balance of humor and drama. The plot is original and explores themes of identity, culture, and family expectations.
acting9.00/10
The acting is excellent, with great performances from the entire cast. Winston Chao is particularly standout, bringing a lot of depth and nuance to his portrayal of Wei-Wei.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and relatable, with great performances from the cast. Wei-Wei's character is particularly well-portrayed, and his struggles with his identity are authentic and heartfelt.
direction9.50/10
Ang Lee's direction is superb, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the characters and their motivations. The film's tone is perfectly balanced, and the pacing is expertly handled.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is good, with some beautiful shots of the Taiwanese countryside. However, the film's color palette is somewhat muted, which can make some scenes feel a bit dull.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie's original story, great performances, and superb direction make it a standout film. The themes of identity, culture, and family expectations are timely and thought-provoking.
Cons
The film's pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some scenes feel a bit dull due to the muted color palette.
Notable Quotes
"I don't know what's more surprising, the fact that you're gay or the fact that you're not more surprised."
"I'm not saying I'm not attracted to you, I'm just saying I'm not attracted to you in the way you think I am."
