Chan Is Missing (1982)

In the heart of early 1980's San Francisco lie a strong Asian and Asian American populous that make up just 22%, while a specific portion of the population is Chinese at 12%, according to the Bay Area Census. However, in Wayne Wang's directorial feature in Chan Is Missing (1982), Jo, played endearingly by Wood Moy, represents the uphill battle that Asian Americans faced when it came to visibility and recognition that has plagued them for over a century. Along with his nephew, Steve, played by the charismatic Marc Hayashi, they go on a strange and mundane journey through the depths of San Francisco to find a missing Chan Hung and their $4000, while finding out what it truly means to be an Asian American in a country that refuses to acknowledge who they are. Wang's debut feature is a timely poignant classic that shares its humor through animated facial expressions and sharp dialogue delivered brilliantly by its ensemble cast. For anyone who's ever felt like an outsider peering through the looking glass, this film touches deeply on an underrepresented perspective that is surely to enrich one's point of view. 

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Criterion (stream)
Kanopy (stream)

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