Watch Watching TV with the Red Chinese

Watching TV with the Red Chinese is a dramatic movie that explores the cultural differences and similarities between East and West during the Cold War era. The movie tells the story of two friends, Neil (Ryan O'Nan) and Jian (Leonardo Nam), who live in the Red Chinese community in New York City in the early 1980s. Neil is a struggling writer who has just been evicted from his apartment, while Jian is a Chinese immigrant who works in a restaurant. The two become unlikely friends after Neil moves in with Jian and his roommate, Tong (James Chen), who is also a Chinese immigrant.

The movie follows the daily routine of the three friends as they watch television together, eat dinner, and share stories about their lives. Neil is fascinated by Jian's culture and language, and he starts to learn Chinese from him. The two also discuss politics and the differences between American and Chinese culture.

As the Cold War tensions escalate, Neil becomes more and more interested in the Chinese way of life. He starts to learn about Maoism and communism from a Chinese professor (Keong Sim) who teaches at a local university. However, Neil's interest in Chinese culture puts him at odds with his own government and his girlfriend, Chloe (Gillian Jacobs), who is an aspiring actress.

The movie explores themes of language, culture, identity, and the power of media. Neil and Jian's friendship is both heartwarming and tragic, as they navigate the challenges of living in a divided world. The movie also offers a commentary on the media's role in shaping our perceptions of different cultures and political ideologies.

Ryan O'Nan delivers a standout performance as Neil, capturing the character's curiosity, naivety, and idealism. Leonardo Nam is also excellent as Jian, portraying the character's warmth, humor, and struggle to find his place in America. Gillian Jacobs brings a healthy dose of energy and wit to the movie, serving as a reminder of the cultural differences and the challenges of fitting into a new community.

Watching TV with the Red Chinese is beautifully shot, with vibrant colors and a great soundtrack that captures the atmosphere of the 1980s. The movie is thought-provoking and engaging, and it offers a unique perspective on the Cold War era that is often overlooked in American cinema.

Watching TV with the Red Chinese is a 2011 drama. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 35.