Synopsis

A gay Chinese-American and her traditionalist mother are reluctant to go public with secret loves that clash against cultural expectations.

Curators’ note

Drawing from director Alice Wu’s personal coming-out experience, Saving Face explores generational tension and cultural clashes within a Chinese American family in the early 2000s. A cornerstone of both transnational Chinese cinema and queer cinema, the film beautifully portrays the struggle to balance personal authenticity and societal expectations, all within the framework of a light-hearted romantic comedy. The narrative centres on Hwei-Lan Gao (Joan Chen), who moves into her daughter Wil (Michelle Krusiec)’s cramped New York apartment after an unplanned pregnancy. Friction arises as Wil balances her medical career in Chinatown and her love relationship, while her mother struggles with judgement and rejection from their traditional Chinese family. Despite their differing views on sexuality and marriage, the two generations embark on a deeply emotional journey toward mutual understanding and acceptance, culminating in a heartfelt reconciliation and a renewed sense of connection. (Curtaorial notes by Yixiang Lin and Jiaxin Zhao, translated by Tina)

Director’s bio

Alice Wu Studied computer science at MIT and Stanford University, where she received her bachelors and masters degrees. Left a job designing software at Microsoft to write and direct her first film, Saving Face (2004), which premiered at the Toronto and Sundance Film Festivals, where it was acquired and released by Sony Pictures Classics.

Director‘s statement

Director Alice Wu drew from her own experiences when making Saving Face (2004). Having worked as a software engineer at Microsoft, she began writing novels and felt that her work would be better expressed through film. After enrolling in a screenwriting course, the script for Saving Face (2004) was born. The film explores themes of cultural identity, family expectations, and personal identity, drawing from Wu's own coming-out experience. She wanted to depict the inner struggles of Chinese-Americans caught between traditional culture and modern life. Wu emphasized that the film is not just about being gay but also about universal themes of family, love, and acceptance. She hopes the audience will connect with the characters' emotions and reflect on their own cultural backgrounds and family dynamics.

Festival & Awards

42th Golden Horse Film Festival Viewer’s Best Leading Actress、Best Leading Actress

Casts

Joan Chen, Michelle Krusiec

Credits

Scriptwriter: Alice Wu

Cinematography: Harlan Bosmajian

Music: Anton Sanko

Production Designer: Daniel Ouellette

Editor: Susan Graef, Sabine Hoffman