Saving Face (2004)
A tender, funny romantic comedy about identity, family, and the courage to live honestly — set against the backdrop of New York's Chinese-American community.
Saving Face - Movie Information
- Original Title: Saving Face
- Release Year: 2004
- Directed by: Alice Wu
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin, English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 24, 2005 (United States - R), December 23, 2005 (Spain)
- Alternative Titles: Рятуючи обличчя (UA)
- Production Companies: Overbrook Entertainment, Forensic Films, GreeneStreet Films
- Production Countries: United States of America
Saving Face - Plot
A Chinese-American lesbian and her traditionalist mother are reluctant to go public with secret loves that clash against cultural expectations.
Saving Face - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the heart of this acclaimed romantic comedy:
A romantic comedy about right, wrong and everything in between.
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Saving Face - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alice Wu
Main Cast
- Joan Chen
- Michelle Krusiec
- Lynn Chen
- Jin Wang
- Guang Lan Koh
- Ato Essandoh
- Nathanel Geng
- Mao Zhao
- Brian Yang
- Louyong Wong
Writers
- Alice Wu
Producers
- Will Smith
- Teddy Zee
- James Lassiter
Saving Face - FAQs
Is Saving Face based on a true story?
Saving Face is not based on a specific true story, but writer-director Alice Wu drew heavily from her own experiences as a Chinese-American woman navigating cultural expectations and identity. The film reflects authentic tensions many Asian-American families face around sexuality, tradition, and generational conflict.
Where can you stream Saving Face online?
Saving Face is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It can also be watched with ads on The Roku Channel. Availability may vary by region, so check JustWatch for the most current streaming options near you.
Who are the main actors in Saving Face?
Saving Face stars Michelle Krusiec as Wil, a Chinese-American surgeon, and Joan Chen as her traditional mother Ma. Lynn Chen plays Vivian, Wil's love interest. Supporting cast includes Jin Wang, Guang Lan Koh, Ato Essandoh, Nathanel Geng, Mao Zhao, Brian Yang, and Louyong Wong.
Does Saving Face have a happy ending?
Yes, Saving Face concludes on a genuinely uplifting note. Both Wil and her mother ultimately find the courage to embrace their true selves and the people they love. The ending balances emotional honesty with the warmth and optimism characteristic of the best romantic comedies.
What is Saving Face about?
Saving Face follows Wil, a Chinese-American lesbian surgeon in New York, and her widowed mother Ma, who becomes unexpectedly pregnant. Both women are hiding secret romances from their tight-knit Chinese community. The film explores identity, cultural duty, and the courage it takes to live authentically.
What is the age rating for Saving Face?
Saving Face is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects mature thematic content including sexuality and adult situations. The film is generally considered accessible and warm in tone, making it a popular recommendation within LGBT and romantic comedy audiences despite its R rating.
Who directed Saving Face and what is their background?
Saving Face was written and directed by Alice Wu, a Chinese-American filmmaker. It was her feature directorial debut. Wu drew on her personal background to craft the film's nuanced portrayal of Chinese-American identity and queer experience. She later directed The Half of It (2020) for Netflix.
How long is Saving Face?
Saving Face has a runtime of 97 minutes, approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes. The film's brisk pace keeps the romantic comedy elements lively while still allowing meaningful emotional depth in its exploration of cultural identity, family loyalty, and the courage to live openly and honestly.
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