Four actresses from The Joy Luck Club, Ming-Na Wen, Tamilyn Tomita, Lauren Tom, and Rosalind Chao, have reunited to discuss the film’s 30th anniversary and its lasting cultural significance. While acknowledging the doors the movie opened for them individually, they also pointed out the industry’s initial failure to fully acknowledge its artistic merit and the subsequent lag in producing more Asian American-led films.
Ming-Na Wen specifically raised the issue of the Academy Awards, stating, “the fact that it was not even nominated for a screenplay adaptation… (It’s been) 30 years, it needs to be addressed.” Rosalind Chao added to this, mentioning the lack of recognition in other key categories like Best Director and Best Cinematography. She also shared a striking anecdote about the cast seemingly being disinvited from presenting at the Oscars: “Not only were we not nominated, but we were asked to present at the Oscars and one of us was at the phone and heard, ‘Oh, we’ve just been un-asked.'”
Despite this, the actresses hold a deep appreciation for the film’s impact. Lauren Tom noted, “One of the joys for me was watching my kids watch the movie for the first time, and they were laughing all the way through it, even though it has much sadness. So, I had forgotten how funny it is, too. I think that’s also why it touched so many people. And not just Asian Americans,” added Rosalind Chao. Tamlyn Tomita emphasized the film’s universal appeal: “Anybody who has a mom.”
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Tomita also reflected on the film’s broader impact on Asian American storytelling in Hollywood, observing that despite its success, it didn’t immediately usher in a wave of similar projects. “In our lifetimes, previous to that, there was never a film, there were episodic television shows,” she said, highlighting the decades-long gap until the release of Crazy Rich Asians.
“We need to keep reminding our community, as well as the nation and the world of movies, that our stories have been box office hits, they’re classics and they’re timeless,” Tomita asserted. “They should be stolen and told all the way along because they’re universal. It’s about mothers, it’s about families. It’s about falling in love. It’s about celebrity. And being American,” added Rosalind Chao. Ming-Na Wen powerfully concluded, “It’s about being seen. When I read Amy Tan’s book, that was the first time I was struck at feeling like someone sees me. That I was not living this life, the adventure, these experiences alone.”
Looking ahead, the actresses expressed their excitement for the current wave of Asian American talent in Hollywood, including actors like Bowen Yang and Awkwafina. Rosalind Chao shared her hope for the future: “That’s my dream for us, that we break into the that we’re not considered ‘exotic’ anymore. That we’re just part of America.” Lauren Tom echoed this sentiment with pride, saying, “I’ve gotten to this certain age now where everyone feels like my kid. I’m proud of them. Sometimes I don’t even know them and I’m like, ‘I am so proud of you.'”
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When asked about the possibility of a sequel or re-release, the actresses were enthusiastic. “Under the right circumstances, we would be so thrilled to bring these characters back to life,” said Ming-Na Wen. Rosalind Chao added, “It would kill. Once again, it shows how we are a part of the that makes America. I think it holds up.” Lauren Tom also pointed to the evolution of the Asian American community’s support for its own stories, noting, “Now, with social media and the fact that the Asian community has evolved so much to be so organized and supportive of one another, because back in the ‘90s we weren’t as cohesive.”
Ultimately, the enduring power of The Joy Luck Club lies in its deeply human stories. As Tamlyn Tomita reflected, “These are 16 stories based on the stories written by Amy Tan. That they’re multifaceted, not just multicultural… Those are human moments and this is a terrifically human story and it’s endless.” Lauren Tom poignantly added, “If an audience, new or old, can find something in our film to relate to that helps them feel like they belong, then we’ve done our job. Because at the end of the day, that’s what human beings want — is a feeling that they belong.”
