Watch Eat a Bowl of Tea

Eat a Bowl of Tea is a 1989 film directed by Wayne Wang and based on a novel of the same name by Louis Chu. The movie is set in the 1940s and revolves around Ben Loy, a Chinese-American who has just returned to New York after serving in the US Army during World War II. Upon his return, he learns that his arranged marriage to Mei Oi has been put on hold due to Mei Oi's father's financial troubles. Ben then sets out to find a job and make a living for himself in the city.

The film takes us through the struggles that the Chinese-American community faced during the time, including racism, discrimination, and poverty. Despite the challenges, the community looks to stick together and support one another, and through this, we see the relationships between the characters unfold.

Russell Wong portrays the lead character of Ben Loy, bringing depth and nuance to the character's struggles as he tries to figure out his place in the world. Cora Miao plays Mei Oi, the love interest of Ben, who is torn between following tradition and pursuing her own happiness. Victor Wong plays Ben's Uncle Tam, a well-respected member of the community who serves as a mentor to Ben.

As the story unfolds, we see how the characters interact with one another and how they are affected by the turmoil of the time. The relationships become strained as the community is made to feel unwanted and unfit to contribute to society, and the film provides an intimate look into these experiences. We see the characters face redlining, racial violence, and xenophobia.

The movie doesn't shy away from difficult topics, but it confronts them with sensitivity and empathy. Themes of masculinity and femininity are present throughout, as well as the conflict of East and West, and the push-and-pull of being an outsider in one's own home.

The cinematography in the movie is stunning, capturing the essence of New York City in the 1940s. The use of muted colors and realistic lighting add an immersive element to the film. The pacing is deliberate and measured, with each scene building upon the last, giving us a real sense of the community and the lives of the characters.

One of the standout scenes in the movie is the mahjong game that Uncle Tam hosts. The scene provides a space for the characters to air their grievances and open up about their experiences. It's a powerful moment that shows how this community takes care of one another through the tough times.

Overall, Eat a Bowl of Tea is a touching and thoughtful movie that provides a unique perspective on the experiences of Chinese-Americans during the time. The movie's themes still resonate today, making it a timeless piece of art that is well worth the watch. It's a beautiful tribute to the perseverance and strength of a community through hardship and struggle, and an important reminder that the struggles of the past still impact our present.

Eat a Bowl of Tea is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.