Made in Chinatown

filmguyinsights

This movie is actual special. While it is billed as a kung-fu wiseguy mashup, it is really a story of coming to terms with who we are, and also a love story. The lead character 'Vinny' Chow, is a Chinese guy in NY who wants to date an Italian girl. Why not, right? But she only dates wiseguys, so he figures to get her attention he will become one, too. Thing is, he can't, and this causes all the fun trouble in the film. Also, in the middle of all the macho men is a a gay black guy, Lawrence, who is the only one in the film who is secure in who he is. He speaks with a high-pitch voice, flirts, does theater and is the most bad ass fighter of them all. He is successful because he is comfortable being himself. Vinny is not, and so his life is a mess. Then the two funny homeless sages turn out to be all in Vinny's head. They are his conscience, the angel and devil on his shoulders, helping him figure himself out. And with so many Easter eggs references to classic mob and kungfu movies, I'll tell you, one second and third viewing this film really shines. It is a delight that is much deeper than first-glance chuckles.

BigManFan

It wasn't until the 2nd watching that I started seeing all the Easter eggs in this film. Twisted lines from The Godfather, Donnie Brasco, Goodfellas, Bruce Lee, Zen and more. Images and props from other films. The writer did a great job smashing stereotypes by directing fun at them, not playin on them. He actors played their parts straight, with silly dialogue. I think this is the first time these two genres have been mixed, and at the core is a story of self-identity and love. Really good. Not a 10, but sure to be a Cult Classic and a study for film students for decades to come.