American Masters Season 22 Episode 2 Hollywood Chinese

Hollywood Chinese, an episode of American Masters season 22, delves into the history and impact of Chinese Americans in Hollywood cinema. The episode features interviews with filmmakers, actors, and scholars, as well as archival footage and film clips, to explore the complex relationship between Hollywood and the Chinese American community.

The episode begins by tracing the earliest portrayals of Chinese Americans in film, which were often racist caricatures played by white actors. It then moves on to examine the contributions of Chinese American filmmakers, such as Wayne Wang and Justin Lin, who have worked to tell authentic stories about their community on screen.

The episode also explores the impact of Bruce Lee, who broke barriers as a Chinese American leading man in Hollywood and inspired a generation of Asian American actors and filmmakers. It examines the challenges faced by Asian American actors in Hollywood, from the lack of roles and stereotyping to the pressure to assimilate and the invisibility of Asian American stories.

Throughout the episode, Hollywood Chinese highlights the importance of representation and the power of media to shape cultural attitudes. It examines the ways in which Hollywood has both perpetuated harmful stereotypes and provided opportunities for Chinese American artists to tell their own stories and break down barriers.

Overall, Hollywood Chinese offers a nuanced and thoughtful exploration of the role of Chinese Americans in Hollywood cinema, highlighting the complexities and challenges of representation while celebrating the groundbreaking work of Chinese American filmmakers, actors, and activists.