why The Half Of It is a masterpiece that made me cry a lot (asian american perspective)
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ค. 2020
- this film destroyed me but that's ok
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Shy, straight-A student Ellie is hired by sweet but inarticulate jock Paul, who needs help winning over a popular girl. But their new and unlikely friendship gets complicated when Ellie discovers she has feelings for the same girl. From Writer/Director Alice Wu.
'Watch The Half of It' on Netflix
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Hey Christina, I’m Payson, Leah’s (Ellie Chu) boyfriend. We just watched this video together and it made both of us cry. So happy there is finally a story and characters to represent so many who have never had the chance to see themselves on screen like this before. It’s just a shame it took so darn long. Thank you again for this incredible video. ❤️
AHHHHHH! thank you guys for watching! that means the world to me!!! a huge thank you to leah for being a pioneer in helping people like me and so many others feel seen. seriously, her performance is so moving and incredible. i'm so entirely grateful for ya'll. thank you. cheers to many more movies/media for under represented people and perspectives coming soon :')
....No way. Leah's boyfriend is here. 😨
Woah...😳
Damn
Wow hello 👋🏻
also, can we please appreciate the dynamic between ellie and,, literally anyone in this movie?? her father, paul, aster,, even the teacher- 🥺🥺🥺
AMEENNNN! YES
I loved her and the teacher...they were so funny together
Well written characters, no one is just there, everyone is a person and their character is developed
Your video got retweeted by the film's director. That's awesome. And this is a terrific video. :-)
i literally deceased when that happened. hahahah. i've loved her work since i watched 'saving face' like two years ago
I'm so happy they didn't do the whole "My daughter is leaving let me HUG HER AND GIVE HER A HEARTFELT SPEECH ABOUT HOW MUCH I LOVE HER" Thing because while some Asian parents might do that literally who else does? Asians don't tell, they show. and their whole relationship might seem so....detached from an outside perspective but to Asians? The small things like being slightly irritated about the power supply and then casually saying 'I'll call them tomorrow' is a subtle way of saying, "Don't worry Dad, I'll take care of it." Him making extra dumplings, never burdening her with what she wants to do in life, those small sweet moments while watching TV, they're all so beautiful. Captured brilliantly.
The scene between paul and ellie's dad really hit me. That scene where he spoke chinese was when the raw emotions came out and although for me I could not relate but it's so beautiful. I came for the cheeky rom com and stayed for the beauty of the film. For me its the tiny and intricate lessons you learn throughout the movie. This is the first "romance" film that made me absolutely tear up and being Chinese myself I was so happy there wasn't some white washed Asian who falls in love with the thick headed white boy (TATBILB). Truly a masterpiece
i love love that scene. and i totally agree. no thick headed yt boy love storyline here 👀
I think both of them has their strengths, and what they’re trying to tell
Lara Jean was Korean tho
@@helenzhang1604 lol gotta correct it, it was supposed to be Asian 😂
And might I add, from his choice of words, her father’s Chinese was very, very well spoken.
I loved how you talked about the graffiti scene hiding the meaning to the whole film, it was a great new perspective and made me rethink the whole movie. Ellie's relationships with Aster and Paulie may have been short and have an uncertain future, but the beautiful thing is that they happened
i'm so glad i could help introduce a new perspective :'D
Thank you for basically telling me the ending. It's pretty typical to have more than one love interest during high school & college & very unusual to spend your life with your first love, so I wouldn't expect that, but I have been crushed too many time w/ stories that end badly for women who love women, so I will wait until I know the ending of a story before I'll invest in a couple.
The channel "Let Me Explain" brought me here...
'let me explain' is the best!!!
Ikr same
same
I'm Caucasian; born and raised in the Midwest. I watched this movie last night. A couple scenes really made me emotional, but for the most part I went to bed thinking, "that movie was pretty cute" and nothing more. But, I woke up this morning and I couldn't stop thinking about this movie. So I found this video and now I get it. This movie is so much more powerful than I gave it credit for. Thanks for making me see that. I'm sitting here crying more than I did during the movie itself.
thank you for watching my video and seeing/hearing my take on it. that mean's the world!!! i'm so grateful 🥺
I'm biracial- half Chinese and half white. I'm also bisexual, with a crush on the religious popular girl. I never thought I'd see myself reflected in the media. I never thought I'd see anyone remotely like me. Ironically, I find that "The Half Of It" represents half of me, half of my culture, half of my sexuality, and half of my interests and personality. I love to play piano, I excel in school. But I'm also extroverted quite popular. This movie is my other half. The asian side of my family died when I was pretty young, and I was raised with little-to-no traces of my Chinese culture. This feels like me in a parallel universe- I can't describe it- but it makes me feel whole. It's 1AM and I should probably get some sleep- and regret posting this comment by the morning.
This is really good to hear from a different perspective as a biracial girl who never really got the whole representation growing up I was really happy to see other ppl getting theirs I hadn't before this year seen so much representation in the Asian American community and it's cool to see it now this is a step in the right direction the director she is amazing
i totally agree! she is amazing!!!! i hope there's a movie coming out for you soon too
This story was like oh this will be another corny noah centino cringe teen movie but was actually the equivalent to remember the titans and classics like clueless put together like come on now where there reward.
Paul is a great character he is cute and honestly he is just the normal guy loved him
When I was in high school there was a girl that look exactly like Ellie Chu and act exactly like her. She was so smart and kind that I wished I could be just as smart as her. I think that's why I like Ellie Chu so much. Ellie also reminded me of myself because we share the same fashion sense. It makes me now realized how much I suck at fashion.
ellie dresses like a cute little bean :')
I'm not Chinese but this movie made me bawl like crazy. I come from an Indian background but this movie still managed to make me feel seen. The subtle things like the dynamic with her father, "the good thing about being different is that people don't expect you to be like them" and so many other moments just hit close to home. The other thing that really touched my heart was the Bollywood train scene they were watching. At the end, we see Paul running next to the train and we see her crying and I literally lost my shit. Also, when Christina mentioned that she used to turn to movies to feel like her ethnicity didn't matter, I could totally relate to that. All in all, I LOVED this movie so much and I'm so so grateful to witness perspectives like "The Half of it" and "Never have I ever". It was about time!
the film destroyed me and my tear ducts also....
I would love to hear you talk about "Never Have I Ever" too!!! Another story with a missing/dead parent, which is an interesting trend from these 2020 Netflix As Am narratives.
yes!!! i think i'm gonna do a video essay on that one soon too but i wanna finish it first :-D
I loved The Half of It but I didn't know why, but you helped show me. It's such a beautifully honest narrative that never cheapens the character's identities or their experiences. It keeps them realistic and based within real desires and motivations. It was so so special to be able to see into asian american culture and I am so happy filmmaking is heading in a direction of inclusion and honest portayal of real life nuances. Asians have been too long ignored in cinema and I love seeing the color warm my screen. It makes me that much more excited for when I will get to see myself onscreen.
i can't wait till i can one day see your story represented too. thank you so much for watching my analysis and leaving such a kind comment :') so grateful
A lot of us Asians here back in Asia are completely unaware of the experience of next-generation members of our diaspora. We Filipinos in particular just see the illusion of the American Dream.
I really am touched by this video and it helped me to appreciate the film more than I already do.
This film destroyed me too 😞
:')
christina xing yes definitely happy/sad tears loved your review btw 🤍
such a good movie, a sapphic love story that feels like an instant classic.
I felt so understood when you said that life being meaningless is what makes it good, that it’s for us to define and there should be no pressure from just humanity’s want for what’s familiar to them, that pressure is not relevant in a broader context. We create our purpose and that’s amazing; every standard and every expectation we have is just made up, so in a way, we’re more free than we allow ourselves to be. Maybe because we can’t handle it, or just to make it easier in a way, but it’s just amazing to hear. Thank you 🥰
❤️
I cried twice during this movie 🥺🥺
I can relate
i felt this
The chemistry between ellie and ashter was on point.
christina, i've been crying 5 days in a row now and this is the first happy cry this week. Thank u
DIANE!!!! omg no!!!!!! i hope you feel better.
I really liked this video. Even though I am not Asian American, it was nice to see this underrepresented community finally get some love. I really enjoyed the explanation and the feelings behind the scenes, and the characters. Very eloquent and articulate. keep it up
I loved that the beginning clip combines Aster's Daisy art with Ellie's words. I don't know if it implies a happier-ever-after, but I would like to think it did.
Today I got the chance to watch this "masterpiece" of a movie all by myself. It isn't everyday that you can see the emotions of every story that is portrayed on screen; this movie truly had it all. From restlessly looking up scenes after the ending credits rolled in, to singing along to Ellie's song, eventually made me end up at your bound breaking narration. Thank you, for telling the story that was left unsaid. Even though the film destroyed all of us, I want to say this narration pieced us back together. I don't want to close this off with the standard quotation of 'be happy!'. No, I'd rather say: 'let the beauty of what's ruined in life, guide you along your next path.' Lot's of love from a new fan.
This is one of the most moving videos I've seen in awhile. I absolutely love it.
thank you grace!
Her accent when speaking mandarin kinda killed me but otherwise it smacked
hahahaa
this was incredible. THANK you!
i took ur recommendation and watched it just now, i love it ,poetic
There is a scene where the two main characters are watching movie. That's an Indian movie named 'Ek villian' which is a remake of korean movie named 'I saw the devil' see the connection!
This was such a beautiful take on the movie ....it made me feel so understood, that finally, someone out there feels as deeply as me about the greatness of this masterpiece. Thank you so much.
I found this video about a month or so after it was released and it led to me watching the movie and since then I’ve watched it so many times and it’s become such a comfort movie for me, I love it so much and I can relate to a couple of the things that happen in the movie quite a bit so I just wanted to thank you for unknowingly introducing me to this movie by making this video, it really means a lot to me, thank you :]
I love this movie. Thank you for putting it in a new light so I can love it even more ❤
Great video essay great movie great channel THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT this movie gave me chills loved it the end had me question my whole life like damn I ain't never loved before
the movie is brilliant, this video you've made is brilliant as well! just sat down and watched it for the 4th time with the podcast by Netflix "watching with" where the writer/director Alice Wu talks you through the whole film, so so good. I wish there was a sequel, it starts on the train with Astrid texting Ellie pictures of the art she's been working...
i cried so hard whenever he handed her his guitar. this movie is so sweet, its just so powerful. such great actors and bonds between the characters.
i just finished ur video and am now balling my eyes out. i think u described everything so beautifully and made me appreciate the movie so much than i already did. thank u 🖤🖤
omg!!!! :') thank you for watching my video. that mean's the world
I loved this movie, and your video did it justice 💕✨
Thank you for making this video ! I’ve watched this movie four times in the last two days and I don’t know why it hits me so hard until I watch your video. Thanks for speaking from your heart and from the hearts of a lot of people at the same time !
oh my goodnessss !! thank you for your kind words
This is a terrific video essay. Thank you for sharing!
thank you for watching!!
Seeing different point of views are the most interesting thing ever. For me I connect to this movie so much through struggling with sexuality/identity and religion. Seeing this from an Asian-American point of view, makes me see it in a more deeper way. I ended up focusing to much on my story and my POV that I completely missed the part about her character growth with race and representation. This is a beautifully worded video, and definitely deserves at least a million views.
I just want to say THANK YOU for this video! I am glad that you talked about this amazing movie and shared your sincere emotions! ❤️❤️❤️
thank you for watching!!!!
It hits different when things relate...My story is kinda same , but a bit different . Amazing video - Best wishes 🖤
This is nice! The movie, yes, and so as this review. Great job!!
10/10 and my #4 of 2020. Totally floored by The Half of It and I'm so happy that I'm not alone.
I LOVE that you made a youtube channel Christina!! I can already tell that your channel is going to blow up, your view on things is just amazing
omg!!! thank you so so much ! :'D
Added to my watchlist! Loved the whole review, so genuine, and even the outro credits were a fun-to-watch, sentimental add to the experience 😙👌
thank you aidan!!!! ahhhhhhh! omg. best compliment ever
christina i love you!!! thank you for making this
i love you! thank you!
That was a very insightful analysis 🥺❤
thank you xoxox
Hi Christina, I got this video recommended as I'm a huge fan of this movie, this is my comfort movie. I'm French Algerian and queer and this is something I never see in medias. The only time i could relate a lot to movie characters were when they were Asian American just like Ellie Chu. We have almost opposite cultures but I see a lot of similarities in the way we were educated and growing up so I've always had a soft spot for Asian culture in general. Your video really explains perfectly how I felt watching this movie even though I'm not Asian. I might never see a representation of myself in media one day but at least I'm happy to see it through Asian American stories. This is beautiful.
amazing video! i watched alice wu's first movie after my high school shut down, and it spoke so much to me about finding love and being asian, even though im a male and hetero, but then i magically stumble across the half of it, and the classic teenage rom-cm tropes were thrown out the window. It reminded me of looking for alaska + perks of being a wall flower, but better and entirely asian + queer with religion/existentialism in the mix. i love how the texting and "act" card quotes added so much detail to the characters and summed up each part to beginning and end. your analysis was on point and you definitely added to my knowledge. thank you
thank you so so much for your thoughtful comment and watching my analysis :')
Go you! Love your film interpretation :) Currently taking a Contemporary Chinese Cinema course and was assigned to watch happy together! Very awesome. Thank you for making this
oh my goodness! you'll love it. i wish i could rewatch that film a million times again for the first time.
I cried so much too 😭 its the first time i ever connected to a story so much being chinese in canada
This was beautiful, thank you.
thank YOU!
You blowing up damnnnnn. Spitting fire gold content 🔥. I resonate too hard. Oh those high school days 😭😭
Despite your channel being tiny, I hugely appreciate how every single word was written (or said) (I'm assuming that this had a script). Every phrase was so concise and well said. The analyzation of the spray paint scene was amazing too. Overall, hella plaudits for this 👍
hahaha yes i read from a script! thank you so much! i'm one of those camera/audio shy people so that means a lot
I love this review thank you for mention all the subtlety.
thank you for watching!
I loved this movie. I'm not Asian but I'm so happy when theres more representation in movies. Its great that kids will be able to see themselves in this. I related to the sexuality portion of the movie and seeing both gay and Asian American representation (especially done well) makes me so happy :) I watched as soon as it got on Netflix lol
I found this movie very relatable and I really saw a little of my self in Ellie when I was at that age. I think this movie has something for everyone to empathize with. I really liked your review and point of view on this movie as a non-Asian with Asian relatives I found it very informative. I'm glad your video is getting seen by the people who created this film because it's really good. 😸
AHHH! THANK YOU SO MUCH SARAH! i appreciate you
My favorite characters were 1. Ellie dad bc of his overarching story that carries the movie then Asther bc I have felt like her trying to be the perfect girl and finally Paul bc he represents the ordinary kid that these movies evolve around he thought he knew love until he met ellie you can love someone but not romantically flips the idea of love on its head great movie
AHHHH YOU'RE TOO KIND. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING :') i totally agree.
as a chinese american in high school i watched the half of it and i've just become so obsessed with this film. i loved your analysis on this and thought it was spot on and very alice-wu-like, haha. looking forward to what you produce in the future!!
AHHH THE BIGGEST COMPLIMENT!! thank you for watching xox
All the characters were so well written, Paul and Ellie’s dynamic takes the cake for me
yes i love their friendship :')
christina xing yes same here :,)
this is amazing
I’m not Asian American but this movie is really good and It does make me feel seen in a way of the writing and the love for all those words and stuff.
glad to know im not the only one who cried my eyeballs out
wow, I luv this perspective.
thank you :'D
Saw twice and cry twice!
Your channel will blow up watch
I really enjoyed this movie. As the whiz kid from a struggling family it’s really relatable.
Wow this is beautiful 🥺❤
thank you :')
I LOVEEEEE THIS MOVIE SO MUCH OMGG
:D
FAVE FILM FAVE FILM
Alice Wu is so good at making lesbian movies
I'm happa witch means i'm white and asian in Hawaii there are a lot of asians so I can feel for you and I get it but not fully. After this I watched the movie and it made me cry, laugh , and feel joyful. So thank you.
is it weird that the representation in this movie made me cry too even to i'm not chinese? it just felt so real and authentic and hearing them speak mandarin (and even understanding some of it, i learned it for two years) it just made me so emotional, and seeing chinese culture being portrayed so accurately, god it made it all so so real idk how to describe it, at fist i kinda didn't like this movie because it ripped my heart to shreds and trampled on it but it's just a masterpiece. I'm rewatching it now :')
You have written a beautiful summary of this great movie. But why it is a masterpiece, is not in its Asian-ness, or queerness, but in its sensitive portrayal of love and the connected-ness of people, the trio of Ellie, Aster and Paul, the connection of Ellie and her father, Paul and Ellie's father, Ellie and her English teacher. The tenderness, love and messiness of it all really touched me.
I thought the acting and representation in the film was perfect but I think the story could have had some work, a lot of plot holes and random things that pop up that are kinda crucial to the progression of the characters such as the football team never ever scoring (meaning all football players are dorks) but at the beginning Paulie is assumed popular
It’s so weird for me, I feel like I couldn’t cry watching this cause I related to it too much... Like if it’s a fantasy movie I’ll ball and cry, but just like real life, it’s hard for me to cry cause its too real 🥺
I cried while watching your video and I didn’t even watched the movie yet
omg
Saving face is another great film by Alice Wu if you have time please watch it. It really is great movie.
it's true! it's very good!!
This is awesome
thank you!
*Wow this is great! You gave me new understanding to the movie, I'm Asian but Filipino so I didn't quite understand that dumpling thing when I first watch the movie but later on, I realized it's how Asian parents express their love to their children through food. I love this coming of age movie, now Asian kids all over the world have something to look up to and be inspire.*
yes! let's pray for more asian coming of age films xox
loved saving face great movie. Alice wu makes great movies
can't wait to see what she makes next
I cried. I just cried.
sending you love :')
What’s your outro song called? It’s so funky I love it 😍 also thank you for this analysis I loved the film!
The abstract art scene was my favorite part 😭
Beautiful movie.
agreed! :)
You should check out "Spa Night" by Andrew Ahn. Brilliant!
The thing about this movie that made me very emotional was the fact that I couldn’t relate to the little details you loved and talked so much abt. My mother was adopted and grew up in a small town here in America, she never took the time to learn about her culture because of the racism she experienced. As a result, I am completely out of touch with Asian culture. Seeing an amazing film like this with a character who finally looks like me, and to not understand the little tropes felt heartbreaking.
Let me explain!!
That church scene though.
Chu‘s father speak English well actually，as well Kongfu ， cos he used to be seraph the bodyguard of Oracle in Matrix 2
Can't help to think of the portrait of a lady on fire.
I'm not asian so I didn't notice those details. But, when I started watching the movie it seemed like a stereotypical teen movie. I mean it had all the stereotypes so I criticized the movie giving it criticism. If you are wondering yes I talk to myself watching a movie. Anyways, I am glad I didn't stop watching the movie. As, the movie went on it showed realistic scenes and real things that are apart of life. I don't know where the story is placed specifically but believe it may be Canada or maybe someplace. Someone please tell me because I am honestly not sure. I really thought that near the end that Aster and Ellie wouldn't end up together but I was wrong. I'm glad it had such a good ending. Then when Paul found out he was confused at first but then he came though. Honestly this movie was the best. The characters were written really well. I may have judged the movie in the beginning but I am glad I watched it. This might be one of my favorite movies. I'm glad I got to watch this movie while I was in high school. Anyways, awesome video. Btw I am commenting this when I just finished the movie not too long ago. :)))
you got a shoutout in let me explains new vid congrats!
let me explain is the freaken best!!!
So did you like this better than Saving Face??
This movie is a gem. I'm not Asian but I feel seen as a minority through her experience
And subscribed
i am gonna looking at this video tho
well the fuck you made me cry