Watch Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood

Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood from 2019 is a documentary that explores the history of Asian representation in Hollywood and how the industry has upheld harmful stereotypes through whitewashing and yellowface. The film is directed by Jeff Adachi and features interviews with various industry professionals, including actor Dan Akira, film historian Joseph McBride, and actress Tamlyn Tomita. Throughout the documentary, they provide insights and personal anecdotes that add to the overall message of the film.

The documentary begins by examining the early days of Hollywood, where Asian characters were often portrayed as villains or comedic relief. It highlights how this evolved over the years, particularly during the Golden Age of Hollywood, where white actors would often portray Asian characters in yellowface.

The documentary then shifts its focus to the present day, where Asian representation still falls short. The film highlights recent controversies, such as the casting of Scarlett Johansson in Ghost in the Shell and Tilda Swinton in Doctor Strange, where Asian characters were once again played by white actors. It also touches on the whitewashing of Asian characters in other forms of media, such as anime adaptations.

Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood from 2019 does not just expose the issue, but it also delves into the root causes of the problem. The film interviews Asian actors who have experienced racism and discrimination in their careers. It discusses how the industry reinforces damaging stereotypes of Asians, such as the "model minority" myth and the hyper-sexualization of Asian women.

The documentary also highlights how Asian representation has improved in other forms of media, such as television and independent film, where Asian stories and characters are being given more space and afforded more nuanced representations. However, despite these improvements, Hollywood still has a long way to go regarding the representation of Asians in Hollywood.

The documentary does not just expose the issues in Hollywood but also provides a platform for Asian artists and voices to share their experiences and perspectives. The film shows how they have always tried to push the envelope, break stereotypes, and create better representations for their community.

Overall, Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood from 2019 is a thought-provoking and informative documentary for anyone interested in understanding the history of Asian representation in Hollywood and how to push for better representation for Asian characters in film and television.

Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood is a 2022 documentary with a runtime of 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.