Andrew Ahn's 'The Wedding Banquet' Remake Lacks Emotional Depth

Andrew Ahn's 2025 remake of Ang Lee’s The Wedding Banquet reimagines the original’s green card marriage plot for a contemporary setting, featuring an ensemble cast including Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran, Lily Gladstone, and Han Gi-Chan. The film centers on two queer couples who orchestrate a sham marriage between Min, a Korean artist at risk of deportation, and Angela, who needs funding for her partner’s IVF, exploring themes of chosen family and self-acceptance. While the cast delivers strong performances and the film celebrates queer Asian representation, critics note that the stakes feel less urgent than in the 1993 original, as marriage equality is now legal in much of the U.S. Despite moments of humor and heartfelt ensemble scenes, some reviewers feel the plot’s tension is largely self-imposed and that the film skirts deeper engagement with issues like immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Nevertheless, the film is praised for its vibrant storytelling and for updating a seminal queer narrative to reflect modern complexities. The movie holds a positive reception, with particular acclaim for its nuanced performances and ensemble dynamic.