Asian Persuasion, the indie romcom by Tony award-winning producer and debut director Jhett Tolentino, brings a unique premise to the bustling streets of New York. With a cast made up predominantly of Filipino-Americans, the film attempts to merge classic romantic comedy nostalgia with contemporary dating culture. While it has its charming moments, its lack of finesse makes for a somewhat bumpy ride.
The Plot: A Scheme for Love and Alimony
The story follows Mickey (played by Dante Basco of Hook fame), a struggling coffee shop owner in Queens who concocts a wild scheme to get out of paying alimony to his ex-wife, Avery (played by KC Concepcion). With the help of his TikTok-dancer best friend Caspian (Kevin Kreider), Mickey sets up a fake dating profile to find the perfect new partner for Avery. Enter preppy financial analyst Lee-Kwan (Paolo Montalban), the chosen target for their matchmaking plans.
However, things take a chaotic turn as Mickey’s misguided attempts to manipulate the situation propel him into a self-inflicted love triangle. As he assists Lee-Kwan in wooing Avery, Mickey realizes he may still have feelings for her, leading to a sushi-bar sabotage stunt worthy of secondhand embarrassment. The script’s Cyrano-esque plotline has potential but struggles to stick the landing.
Highlights and Missed Opportunities
The film’s New York setting provides a vibrant backdrop, paying homage to iconic romcoms of the past. Mickey’s coffee shop, Da Fili Beans, is the perfect setting for hipster-inspired hijinks and creative storytelling opportunities. Despite this, the movie stumbles in balancing humor and heart, often shifting tonally in ways that feel forced or underdeveloped.
Attempts to stay relevant with pop-culture references and TikTok-worthy moments sometimes veer into cringe-worthy territory. Lines like “Can I unsubscribe from that memory?” feel more like a nod to social media commentary than meaningful dialogue. Meanwhile, some of the humor borders on crude, detracting from the otherwise lighthearted narrative.
The Verdict
While Asian Persuasion successfully highlights Filipino-American representation in mainstream cinema, it falters in delivering the charm and finesse required for a truly memorable romcom. The character arcs, particularly Mickey’s journey, lack the depth needed to make his transformation feel authentic. Similarly, female characters like Avery come across as one-dimensional, leaving little to empathize with amid the chaos.
That said, the film still holds value for its cultural significance and its attempt to reinvigorate the indie romantic comedy space. Fans of quirky romcoms may find it worth a watch, but temper expectations for a refined storytelling experience.
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