Rating: 
Summary: Worthwhile comedy/drama
Review: This is certainly an intriguing comedy which redeems itself by turning into a drama that poignantly explores the costs of lying about one's personal life towards the end of its nearly two-hour length. The extraordinarily beautiful Mitchell Lichtenstein plays an adorable and almost disturbingly convincing role as the homosexual lover of the main character, Winston Chao's Wai-tung Gao, who creates a tempest of emotions by suggesting that Wai-tung's parents' desire to see their son married can be quenched by arranging a "wedding" with a Chinese artist. May Chin, in her lead role as Wei-wei, the woman who Wai-tung is to be "married" to, and Ah Lei Gua, in her supporting role as Mrs. Gao (Wai-tung's mother), both give wonderful and emotional performances, the two best in the film itself. Although the ending is perhaps too optimistic and unrealistic, this film's theme is very important because I think that many homosexuals, including myself, can see themselves in the position of Wai-tung, especially the struggle for societal acceptance and the difficulty in being honest about one's sexuality with relatives, friends and family. 8/10. B.
Rating: 
Summary: A quiet triumph
Review: This is one of those rare movies that really does get better with repeated viewings. Writer-Director Ang Lee's understated, yet poignant tale of cultural clashes and filial angst is a true gem, and an auspicious beginning to his international career. Not so much a comedy as a wry observation of so-called family values, Ang Lee refrains from taking sides, and the film is all the richer for his even-handed depiction of its five main protagonists and their respective wishes. (Keen-eyed viewers will no doubt recognize the director's cameo appearance in the wedding banquet scene, with his pointed allusion to "2000 years of repressed sexuality.") Winston Chao gives a good performance as the handsome Wai-Tung, an only son torn between parental expectations and his own romantic happiness. This was Chao's first movie, and despite being a trifle stilted with his English dialogue on occasions, I found him thoroughly believable in the role. Mitchell Lichtenstein is equally good as his often-adorable lover Simon, conveying just the right combination of devotion and frustration as he witnesses his relationship becoming ever more complicated. May Chin is a perfect Wei-Wei: headstrong, fiercely independent, and ultimately likeable. Hers is perhaps the most difficult role, as she has to convey some less than flattering character traits while still retaining the audience's sympathy. Wei-Wei is a memorable creation. Outstanding in the roles of Wai-Tung's parents are the late Sihung Lung and Ah Lei Gua as, respectively, Mr and Mrs Gao. Both could so easily have come across as Asian caricatures, but instead their performances are multi-layered and totally believable. Each actor has an extraordinary scene in which they interact movingly with one of the three previously mentioned characters, and few viewers will be unaffected by the truth of these performances. I find it impossible to criticize The Wedding Banquet in any meaningful way. Far from being a "gay movie", this gentle film has something for everyone with a heart. With sparkling dialogue, unfaltering honesty, and a genuine sense of humanity at its core, Ang Lee has created a beautiful work of art.
Rating:
Summary: A Favorite Long After Leaving the Theater
Review: This movie continues to be recommended to me over and over as friends see it in art houses, rentals and on cable. In turn, I recommend to others. This is a dramatic slice of life masquerading as a comedy. It is hilariously funny, but when the house lights went back up they exposed light sobbing by some of my group. The plot is simple: gay Asian with same sex mate decides to marry a woman needing a green card to fool his "old world" visiting parents. Gayness is more a plot device than an issue here. It is easy to identify with these characters. Though the conflicts are comedic, they cannot be fully resolved. It's a view of the joys and frustrations of a loving family whose values are a big generation apart. The movie is partially subtitled and (I am not making this up)this adds to the story because part of the humor is not everyone even understands everyone else's language let alone lifestyles. This is a rare funny gem which slides in a moral without embarrassing the viewer.
Rating:
Summary: This is a great movie about traditional Chinese Parents
Review: This movie explores the Chinese parents that are old fashion. It follows a young gay man trying to hide from him parents and avoid the traditional marriage. It's funny and moving as he fakes a wedding to hide his lover, Simon. I believe that you will like this movie.
Rating:
Summary: A perfect movie
Review: This movie is perfect for anyone. It's beautiful, it's a slice of life, it's funny, it's fascinating, it's educational. Not 1 second of boredom. As someone already mentioned, the plot centers around a young Chinese professional man and a young American man that are very much in love and are lifetime partners. I don't want to ruin the plot so I'll just say, see it!! You won't believe how well done it is.
Rating:
Summary: Need a DVD!
Review: This movie was a surprise for me. I attended a film class with a friend and came away with a new favourite. This film doesn't just give a spectacular view of a Gay man's trials and triumphs in love; it also depicts the relationship between Father and son as they attempt to bridge the generation gap. It's delightful when we finally realize that the Father has been one step ahead of his son the entire way. There's also a happy ending which is realistic enough to be satisfying and not too fairy-tale like. What I'd really like is a DVD of this movie, with some extra's. Maybe a commentary? Some interviews with the actors? I'm more likely to look for actors' movies than directors, but with Ang Lee I don't care who the actors are, I really enjoy his work.
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