This is neither a mob movie nor a kung-fu movie. It is the 'education of the young man" with some action. Beneath the surface of its obvious spoof on wiseguy and kung-fu movies, is a study in identity and self-realization. What does it mean to be a man and are Asian-Americans really able to fit into the broader American society? It's smart parody, when the traditional Chinese Triad boss chooses to quote a fake Chinese sage, Charlie Chan, over Confucius; and when the Chinese mother says to her son, "Vincent, what happened to your Chinese accent?" The punch lines run deep into dispelling stereotypes, not fostering them. Enjoy this film. It takes several viewings to get all the imbedded references and its deeper meanings. Well done!
Review of Made in Chinatown
