01
The Half Of It
Why this pick
Alice Wu again pairs a tender queer coming-of-age romance with sharp, affectionate observation of family expectation, cultural belonging, and the courage to speak honestly.
A FILM WORTH A CLOSER LOOKTHE FEATURE PRESENTATION
MOVIE2004 1h 31m USA
IF THIS ONE STAYED WITH YOU
Movies like
Saving Face
Comedy
CINEHUNCH / THE NEXT FRAME
Keep the feeling.
SIMILAR PICKS / A PERSONAL CONNECTION
If you loved Saving Face, try these.
01
02
The Wedding Banquet
Why this pick
Its buoyant, compassionate handling of a queer child navigating Chinese family expectations shares Saving Face’s warmth, social comedy, and faith that love can reshape a family.
03
Go Fish
Why this pick
A lively lesbian romantic comedy centered on friendship, dating, and everyday conversation; its handmade intimacy and wit complement the softer romantic spark of Saving Face.
04
The Big Sick
Why this pick
This generous cross-cultural romance finds comedy in parental expectations without reducing anyone to a stereotype, balancing family friction with the same open-hearted optimism.
05
Pariah
Why this pick
A more intimate and dramatic take on a young woman claiming a queer identity while negotiating a close, complicated family; emotionally honest rather than cynical.
Finding the atmosphere, tension and little details that made this one stay with you.
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01 / THE STORY
A little about the film.
Wilhelmina ("Wil"), a successful young Chinese American surgeon, lives in New York City. Forced by her mother Gao to come to the typical gathering at Planet China amongst family friends, Wil is closeted to her mother and the rest of the older adults. Her mother has plans to set her up with a son of a friend. Wil is drawn to Vivian, the daughter of one of the Chinese mothers who recently got a divorce. They run into each other at the hospital where Wil works, only to discover that Vivian's father is Wil's boss. Vivian and her father have a tense relationship since Vivian is currently pursuing her love of modern dance instead of the more respectable ballet.
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02 / FACES IN THE FRAME
The people who bring it to life.
Michelle Krusiec
Wilhelmina 'Wil' Pang
Lynn Chen
Vivian Shing
Ato Essandoh
Jay - Neighbor
Joan Chen
Hwei-Lan Gao - Ma
