Saving Face (2004) - August 26, 2025

[Scottie]

Saving Face (2004)

A queer romantic comedy set in vibrant, multicultural New York City, Alice Wu’s irresistible feature debut breathed fresh life into the genre by combining snappy dialogue and a swooning love story with a poignant narrative about a mother and daughter coming to terms with each other. Just as Wil (Michelle Krusiec), a harried young surgical resident, begins a promising romance with the flirtatious dancer Vivian (Lynn Chen), her life is turned upside down when her more traditional Chinese mother (Joan Chen)—unwed and unexpectedly pregnant—moves in with her, forcing both women to confront the generational and cultural barriers that have long troubled their relationship. Both embracing and cleverly subverting rom-com conventions, Wu delivers a bighearted ode to the Chinese American diaspora, and the liberating joy of living one’s truth.

DIRECTOR-APPROVED BLU-RAY SPECIAL EDITION FEATURES

• High-definition digital master, approved by director Alice Wu, with 5.1 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack
• Audio commentary featuring Wu
• New interviews with Wu and actor Joan Chen
• Deleted scenes with optional commentary by Wu
• Behind-the-scenes featurette
• Program featuring Wu and members of the cast at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival
• Trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• PLUS: An essay by critic Phoebe Chen

New cover by Ping Zhu

https://www.criterion.com/films/32820-saving-face