Joy Luck Club

Joy Luck Club (1993)

Director:Wayne Wang

Writer: Amy Tan 

Screenplay: Amy Tan and Ronald Bass

The first time I saw this movie, I was blown away by so many things at once. The cinematography, the setting, the story, the drama, the humor, the poetry. It captivated me as a filmmaker, a writer, a historian, an artist, a daughter and a mother. 

The film is about the relationships between mothers and daughters, and while the Chinese culture is woven throughout, the story of these relationships transcends culture.

Some people might call it a "chick flick" but I do not. This is a film about reality, truth and the brutality of the world in which we live. It is also about love and hope. The universality of the story is what makes this film a meaningful experience for all audiences.

I cannot begin to describe how skillfully this film captures the story told in Amy Tan's novel. I read the book after watching the film. She is a superb writer. Read the book. Watch the movie.

If you watch this movie, I would love to know what you think.