Han (Sung Kang), Virgil (Josh Tobin) and Ben (Parry Shen) contemplate their future. Courtesy of imdb.com.

Better Luck Tomorrow

By Chau Nguyen

Stephanie (Karin Anna Cheung) gets a ride home from her boyfriend Steve (John Cho). Courtesy of imdb.com.

ster·e·o·type (n): a conventional, formulaic, and oversimplified conception, opinion or image.

Within the mainstream media, Asian Americans are often stereotyped as math and science whiz kids who are passive and obedient. But not all of them fit neatly in that mold, as seen in Justin Lin's stereotype-breaking movie, "Better Luck Tomorrow." This movie offers a new portrayal of Asian Americans albeit a disturbing one, that creates a stark contrast to the "model minority" assumption.

On the surface, Ben Manibag (Parry Shen) seems to encompass all the qualities that would make any Asian parent happy-he is smart, athletic, and ambitious. But underneath that perfect exterior lies a teenager who's fed up with the mundane suburban lifestyle and just wants to break out of the cycle. Along with three of his friends, the four embark upon a life of drugs and petty crime. When Steve (John Cho) comes along and makes them an offer they can't refuse, the events following would ultimately make the boys question the fate of their future.

Virgil, Daric, Ben and Han partake in the wild life of drugs and crime. Courtesy of betterlucktomorrow.com

The film, which received an enthusiastic reception at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival, was released on DVD on September 30. The DVD includes commentary from director Justin Lin and writers Ernesto Foronda and Fabian Marquez.

October 10, 2003