Watch The Purple Onion

The Purple Onion is a comedy-drama movie that was released in 2014. It is a heartwarming and relatable story about a young Asian-American comedian who is trying to make it big in the comedy industry. The movie follows the journey of the protagonist, Johnny (played by Edwin Li), who has just graduated from college and is pursuing his dreams of becoming a stand-up comedian.

The story begins with Johnny performing at a small comedy club in San Francisco, The Purple Onion, where he is struggling to impress the audience with his jokes. He is constantly ignored and heckled by the audience, which makes him feel discouraged and frustrated. However, he is a persistent person and refuses to give up on his dream of becoming a comedian.

Despite the lack of success, Johnny receives support from his manager, Anne (played by Noreen Lee), who believes in his potential and encourages him to keep going. Johnny also receives support from his family, especially his mother, who is worried about his career choice but still encourages him to follow his passion.

As the story progresses, Johnny faces various challenges in his quest to become a successful comedian. He struggles with cultural identity, as his Asian-American background, and his parents' traditional values, clash with the western comedy industry. However, he persists in pursuing his dream and tries to bridge the gap between his heritage and the comedy industry.

Along the way, Johnny meets various characters who help him in his journey. He meets a fellow comedian, Carla (played by Carla Clay), who becomes his love interest and a source of inspiration. They form a bond and support each other as they navigate the tough world of comedy.

The movie also explores the themes of friendship and family, as Johnny reconnects with an old friend from college who helps him get a job and supports him in his comedy career. He also reconciles with his father, who initially disapproved of his career choice, but eventually learns to accept and support Johnny's dreams.

The Purple Onion is a heartfelt and relatable story that many aspiring comedians can relate to. It tackles universal themes of identity, family, and pursuing one's passion. The movie is also a celebration of diversity and cultural differences, as it showcases the unique perspective of an Asian-American comedian trying to make it big in the comedy industry.

The movie is beautifully shot, and the performances by the actors are captivating. Edwin Li delivers a charming and authentic portrayal of Johnny, who is both relatable and inspiring. Noreen Lee's performance as the supportive and caring manager, Anne, adds a touch of warmth to the plot. Carla Clay's portrayal of Carla is also noteworthy, as she brings depth and nuance to her character.

Overall, The Purple Onion is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys heartwarming and inspiring stories. It is a comedy-drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it is a testament to the power of pursuing one's dreams.

The Purple Onion is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.