10 Movies and Shows Similar to Far East Deep South (2020)

Description: As one of the first films to depict New York's Chinatown community, Eat a Bowl of Tea shares Far East Deep South's interest in documenting overlooked Asian-American histories. Both films explore themes of cultural preservation and adaptation, showing how immigrant communities maintain traditions while evolving in new environments.

Fact: Based on the first Chinese-American novel. Set in post-WWII Chinatown when immigration laws were changing. Director Wayne Wang's breakthrough before The Joy Luck Club.

Description: This seminal film shares Far East Deep South's deep exploration of generational trauma and cultural transmission. Both works examine how family histories shape contemporary Asian-American identities, using interwoven narratives to connect past and present. The emotional weight of mother-daughter relationships in The Joy Luck Club mirrors the familial discoveries in Far East Deep South.

Fact: Based on Amy Tan's bestselling novel. Featured an almost entirely Asian-American cast, rare for its time. The mahjong scenes were played with real stakes to create tension.

Description: While an action-comedy, Shanghai Noon shares with Far East Deep South the theme of cultural collision and identity. Both feature protagonists navigating between Chinese and American contexts, though Shanghai Noon does so through humorous fish-out-of-water scenarios rather than documentary realism.

Fact: Jackie Chan's first Western as lead after Rush Hour. The train sequence took 3 weeks to film. Owen Wilson improvised many of his lines.

Description: This groundbreaking film shares with Far East Deep South an interest in subverting Asian-American stereotypes. While focusing on very different subjects, both works challenge monolithic representations of Asian identity in America, offering complex, authentic portrayals of lived experiences.

Fact: Justin Lin's debut feature before Fast & Furious. Initially rejected by studios for being 'too Asian'. The cast included future TV stars John Cho and Sung Kang.

Description: Like Far East Deep South, The Namesake explores the immigrant experience and intergenerational cultural transmission. Both works sensitively portray the tension between honoring heritage and embracing new identities. The Namesake's cross-continental storytelling mirrors Far East Deep South's geographical and cultural journeys.

Fact: Based on Jhumpa Lahiri's Pulitzer-winning novel. Filmed in both New York and Kolkata. Kal Penn's first dramatic role after comedic work.

Description: While more comedic in tone, Crazy Rich Asians shares with Far East Deep South the exploration of Asian identity in Western contexts. Both films highlight cultural contrasts and the experience of navigating between Eastern and Western worlds. The visual celebration of Asian culture in Crazy Rich Asians parallels Far East Deep South's appreciation of Chinese-American heritage.

Fact: First Hollywood studio film with an all-Asian cast since 1993's The Joy Luck Club. The wedding scene cost $40,000 just for flowers. Michelle Yeoh's elaborate cheongsam costumes weighed up to 20 pounds.

Description: Lion shares with Far East Deep South the theme of searching for roots and identity across continents. Both are emotionally powerful journeys of self-discovery that use modern technology (Google Earth in Lion, DNA testing in Far East Deep South) to reconnect with lost heritage and family.

Fact: Based on a true story documented in 'A Long Way Home'. Dev Patel learned Telugu for the role. The young Saroo was played by non-actor Sunny Pawar.

Description: While a romantic comedy, The Big Sick shares with Far East Deep South the theme of navigating cultural differences in America. Both films explore how love and family can bridge cultural divides, with The Big Sick focusing on a Pakistani-American experience where Far East Deep South examines Chinese-American identity.

Fact: Based on Kumail Nanjiani's real-life romance. Ray Romano's first major film role in years. The screenplay was workshopped at Judd Apatow's house.

Description: Columbus shares Far East Deep South's contemplative approach to place and identity. Both films use their physical settings (Columbus, Indiana and the American South respectively) as active elements in stories about cultural connection and personal discovery. The visual poetry of Columbus' architecture mirrors Far East Deep South's landscape cinematography.

Fact: Director Kogonada's feature debut. Shot in just 18 days. John Cho learned to drive stick shift for his role.

Description: Like Far East Deep South, The Farewell explores themes of cultural identity and family bonds across generations. Both films delve into the complexities of Asian-American identity and the emotional journeys of reconnecting with one's heritage. The Farewell's poignant storytelling and focus on familial love resonate with the emotional tone of Far East Deep South.

Fact: The Farewell is based on director Lulu Wang's personal experiences. Awkwafina won a Golden Globe for her performance. The film's Chinese title translates to 'Don't Tell Her'.