To All the Boys I've Loved Before, the sequel
Netflix announced that they are making a sequel to the movie, To All The Boys I've Loved Before. This movie broke a lot of stereotypes and gave representation to Asian women in a way that is separate from their race. The main character of this movie is an Asian American woman, and her race is not the central plot line of the movie. This is important because representation of Asian American women is increasing and they are breaking stereotypes, at the same time.This connects to our class because unlike many other movies, To All the Boys I've Loved Before creates a space for Asian women to be normalized in society and the media. This groundbreaking movie also came out the same summer as, Crazy Rich Asians, another movie increasing Asian representation in the media. Asian Americans have been symbolically annihilated from the media for generations, and when they are portrayed it is usually in a very stereotypical way. Both of these movies have broken barriers and changed the industry. The fact that this movie is getting a sequel shows Hollywood that the public accepts diversity and is moving toward supporting and demanding equal representation for all.
To All the Boys I've Loved was one of my favorite movies this year. Despite how cheesey it was, it was great to see Asian women actors gain traction in mainstream film. My only concern, is that Noah Centineo, the love interest in the film, gained more attention from media and news for his boyish charm and loveability. This sequel is an opportunity for Lana Condor to gain the traction she deserves as a ground breaking actress.
ReplyDeleteTo All The Boys I've Loved Before, as you mentioned, is unique because Lara Jean's Asian American identity is not the main plot of the film. She is just like any other high school girl, living through the complications that being a teenager brings. When we discussed Asian representations in class, we talked about how Asian women are often fetishized and hypersexualized. Lara Jean's character was not presented in this way in the film at all. One hope I do have for the sequel is that these will be an Asian male love interest of some sort, perhaps not Lara Jean's love interest, but just one in general. This would counter the stereotype that Asian men are sexually undesirable.
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