All hail this long-overdue reissue! In Eat a Bowl of Tea, Louis Chu breaks from this norm and presents a realistic portrayal of the bachelor society of New York’s Chinatown in the late 1940s. "Filial Duty and Family Survival in, This page was last edited on 16 January 2021, at 11:27. Due to its influence and popularity, the Pan Asian Repertory Theatre in New York City produced the novel for the stage[citation needed] and Wayne Wang directed a film version in 1989. At the same time, we should also remember that Wang's film is a retrospective piece and have to take his own social contexts (late 1980s) into consideration. Check out our editors' picks for the movies and shows we're excited about this month, like Mortal Kombat, "Them," and Stowaway. This unfortunate predicament is depicted through the old men of the novel, such as Wah Gay and Lee Gong, but it also plays out in the way Mei Oi's arrival affects the entire community. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Even the affections of Chin Yuen, Ben Loy's closest companion, cannot distract Mei Oi from the pain she feels away from Ah Song, and she eventually convinces Ben Loy to move back to New York. Showing all 2 items Jump to: Summaries (2) Summaries. Yet, it's sentimental and a love story too. Eat a Bowl of Tea Wayne Wang returns to Chinatown with Eat a Bowl of Tea, and recaptures the relaxed humor and deep emotions of his earlier Dim Sum in the process. A man is hired by a group of people he believes to be gangsters to escort a briefcase from America to Hong Kong. Mei Oi soon discovers that she is pregnant, but does not know who the father is (since she and Ben Loy had successfully slept together during a visit to Washington, D.C.). The tong mocks the family and Mei Oi realizes the magnitude of shame she has brought upon them. Ben Loy visits another Chinese herb specialist and decides to take the doctor's advice and "eat a bowl of tea" to treat his impotence. Directed by Wayne Wang. They wish to stick to the traditions but adapt to their new homeland.A romantic film that you can bring the wife or girlfriend to. Films similar to or like Eat a Bowl of Tea (film) 1989 film directed by Wayne Wang based on the novel of the same name by Louis Chu. The story then jumps backwards several months to the "Money Come" gambling house and the men who spend their days there: Wah Gay, Lee Gong, Chong Loo and Ah Song. As letters, free discourse, and songs allow round characters to reveal a deeper side of themselves, the terms provide readers with a taste of Chinese culture. Publication date 1990 Topics Chinese -- New York (State) -- New York -- Fiction Publisher Carol Publ. [Money Come] "...the room was like a dimly-lit tunnel" (139). Add to Wishlist. It was made into a film of the same name by Wayne Wang in 1989. [Snow in New York] "Everything was white. With no ... See full summary ». It is only socially accepted for a man to have an affair: Therefore, Mei Oi becomes the "man" in the marriage when she has an affair; this is reflected in Ben Loy's loss of manhood. lives of Chinese-Americans in New York after World War II. Another aspect of the novel is the effect of Chinese American men on life back in China. [Wah Gay cuts off Ah Song's ear] "Ah Song's left ear fell to the floor" (183). Drama. On the surface, Ben Loy appears like a "good boy", yet he is covering up secrets of a promiscuous past. Ben Loy becomes addicted to these sexual flings, often sleeping with numerous prostitutes in a night. Though his trip starts off as a mission to see his daughter remarry, he sparks to an Iranian woman who, despite their language barrier, captures his heart. Because of the exclusionary laws that prohibited Chinese male laborers from bringing their wives and families to the US, Chinatowns were predominately male back then. Impressive.Romance with steamed dumplings here. This occurs while depicting: Finally, Chu portrays even the most violent and sexual of scenes with beautiful and minimalist description. "...she [Mei Oi] was like a child lost in thick forest" (129). Two cab drivers search San Francisco's Chinatown for the mysterious Chan, who disappeared with their $4000. Eat a bowl of tea by Louis Chu. A Chinese man travels to America to visit his daughter after her recent divorce. After such ceremonial practices as the employment of matchmakers and the approval of the Fourth Uncle, the families plan a traditional wedding. This FAQ is empty. 6. [Ben Loy's depression] "The black hand of darkness seemed ready to swoop down from the clouds to grab him" (207). [Lee Gong's reaction] "Lee Gong let go a typhoon-sized sigh of relief" (151). These men were highly desirable husbands for young women in China, as is seen in Mei Oi's willingness to marry Ben Loy. It was the first Chinese American novel set in Chinese America. When Wah Gay approaches Ben Loy about going to Sunwei, China to find a bride, Ben Loy is skeptical and unwilling. "Mei Oi had discovered that the movies had a relaxing influence on her; so that, after a night out, her inner frustrations became less compelling" (83). After the war, many elderly men were confined to the cities of San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York City, as the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and Immigration Act of 1924 had prevented them from returning to their wives and family in China and also from bringing these family members to the United States. The text depicts the close friendship between Wah Gay and Lee Gong (both Chinese immigrants with wives back in Guangdong (Canton)), and a conversation concerning their unmarried children ensues. [Ben Loy] "He was a stranger in his own town" (207). LoneStarNot . Eat a Bowl of Tea is a 1961 novel by Louis Chu. Whether it is the herbs or the increase in Ben Loy's independence, his masculinity is finally restored in all senses of the word. Eat a Bowl of Tea begins by describing newlyweds Ben Loy and Mei Oi sleeping peacefully in their bed in New York City. When he arrives, however, his contact is nowhere to be found. Tea,'' the late Louis Chu captured the complexity of the. In San Francisco, an immigrant widow welcomes the new year with some unhappiness: she's sixty-two now, she wants to make a trip to China to pay last respects to her ancestors, a fortune ... See full summary ». For this reason, many Chinatowns in the USA were "bachelor societies." [clarification needed], Ben Loy waited for his turn at the doctor's office...sitting opposite a lady who had followed him in. Watch trailers, read customer and critic reviews, and buy Eat a Bowl of Tea for $12.99. These italicized sections of the text represent the most personal glimpses into the characters of the novel. Both Ben Loy and Mei Oi are described as "being lost in a forest", showing their confusement: Many characters give luck credit for events: "He attributed to good luck the peaceful situation of his first case of love theft" (148). The novel focuses on four primary characters: a young married couple, Ben Loy and Mei Oi, and their fathers, Wah Gay and Lee Gong. ID Numbers Open Library OL9305416M Internet Archive eatbowloftea00chul ISBN 10 0818403950 ISBN 13 9780818403958 Library Thing 1137383 Goodreads 92843. Asian-American feature films released in the US since the 1980s. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. It highlights the cause of Ben Loy's impotency and the effect this has on Mei Oi, foreshadowing the deterioration of their relationship. [Snow in New York] "White flakes floated down upon the street...like white-grained rice husks flying from the milling closet" (35-6). (1989). Eventually Ben Loy and Mei Oi have to stop reacting so strongly to others and forge a marriage on their own terms, even after it is badly shaken by a setback. Mostly Unknown Films(1000 Ratings or Less) that are Very Good. By keeping sentences relatively simple and throwing in various cultural terms and phrases, Chu makes his novel both authentic and readable. This is a trailer I produced awhile back for this funny Wayne Wang film. $12.99 Buy HD. But Toilet Paper Is Expensive, Eat a Bowl of Tea, The Princess of Nebraska and more. Their Chinese wedding is mirrored by a Chinese wedding banquet back in Chinatown. Chin Yuen is the only one Ben Loy confides in about Mei Oi's affair, but readers know that Chin Yuen fantasizes about having an affair with Mei Oi. His hand must have come down at least half a dozen times" (146). When Ah Song presses charges, Wah Gay flees to a friend's home in New Jersey. Vicious cycle portrayed most aptly through Wah Gay attacking Ah Song. The novel is told by a third-person omniscient narrator – one who is able to reach and relay the thoughts, feelings, and actions of the characters. The narrative then jumps back in time to "several months before the wedding" (15) and continues chronologically from this point on. Eat a Bowl of Tea explores the pressures put on two newlyweds in Chinatown to meet the expectations of their community. For the film, see, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Brief description of Chu's background and the public's response to, Brief summary, rating, and reader’s reviews, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eat_a_Bowl_of_Tea&oldid=1000724451, Articles needing additional references from January 2008, All articles needing additional references, Articles that may contain original research from January 2008, All articles that may contain original research, Articles with multiple maintenance issues, Articles with disputed statements from July 2012, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2009, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from August 2009, Articles with unsourced statements from January 2008, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, Ex: "Wow his mother/father", "Go sell your ass", "sonovabitch", "dead girl/boy", Text parallels the speech of Asian Americans by sporadically including, Ex: "You have a warm heart" (173), "green hat" (127), "Don't stand on ceremony" (164), "Fatty water should not be permitted to flow into another's rice paddy" (158). In a positive way mind you.And there is a lot of truth to it all too. That alone should motivate you to buy this book. [Time Wah Gay and Lau Shee spent apart] "The years have passed like the mere closing and opening of the eye" (115). It's a shame that Louis Chu is no longer with us, he could've authored more books -- "Wow, your mother!" Big pains. "...Ben Loy seemed like a little boy, lost in the wilderness, not knowing which way to turn" (126). The first novel to capture the tone and sensibility of everyday life in an American Chinatown, it is an incisive portrayal of Chinese America on the brink of change. [dubious – discuss] Because of its portrayal of the "bachelor society" in New York's Chinatown after World War II, it has become an important work in Asian American studies. Eat A Bowl Of Tea: A novel of New York's Chinatown by Louis Chu and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at AbeBooks.com. Upon learning that Wah Gay has a marriageable son (Ben Loy) here in the States, Lee Gong spies on him at his restaurant and decides that he is the right man for his daughter (Mei Oi), who is still in China. It has been cited as an influence by such authors as Frank Chin and Maxine Hong Kingston. A study in culture bridging, including ... a new US-born husband, trying to work within the traditional ways, a new China-born wife, eager to join the "dream" of America, two family-minded fathers, lots of gender-related social bifurcations. Chu utilizes various literary techniques to make his story come alive for readers. Books to read from kenneth william kiep; Group Collection inlibrary; printdisabled Digitizing sponsor Internet Archive Contributor Internet Archive Language English. Eat a Bowl of Tea came out in 1961 and it is the first Chinese American novel set in Chinese America. Title: Chu uses their stories illuminate conflicts between Chinese ideals and traditions and contemporary American society. The novel takes place in the 1940s, and the majority of the plot takes place in New York's Chinatown. This engaging comedy-drama examines a post-WWII American phenomenon where, after years of strict immigration laws and forced separation of spouses, Chinese immigrants were finally able to bring their mates to the US. Whether it is the beneficial effect of the tea or a change in Ben Loy himself, Ben Loy regains his manhood at the conclusion of the novel. Seattle, WA 98195 . When the novel was first published in 1961, reviews denounced it, deeming the content offensive and the language "tasteless and raw" (2). Eat a Bowl of Tea Synopsis: A study in culture bridging, including ... a new US-born husband, trying to work within the traditional ways, a new China-born wife, eager to join the "dream" of America, two family-minded fathers, lots of gender-related social bifurcations. Written by Confused and overpowered, Mei Oi is raped by Ah Song. The whole world was white" (36). There are points in the novel when the reader knows more about a situation or character than anyone in the actual story – this unique situation allows for thorough analysis or characters and the development of suspense. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2012-04-17 20:46:15 Bookplateleaf 0008 Boxid A study in culture bridging, including ... a new US-born husband, trying to work within the traditional ways, a new China-born wife, eager to join the "dream" of America, two family-minded ... 1 of 2 people found this review helpful. Chu makes the stylistic choice to italicize certain words and phrases of his text. ''Eat a Bowl of Tea'' is rated PG-13 (''Special Parental Guidance Suggested for Those Younger Than 13''). 1989 102 minutes. Although these memories are rare, they help portray character traits and provide history to explain current situations. It is now considered a primary work in Asian American literature, and Louis Chu has been praised repeatedly for creating an honest portrayal of Chinese American culture. Check out our gallery of the 2021 Oscar nominees in the leading and supporting acting categories, as the characters they so brilliantly played and in real life. The culture gets a good going over here. This article is about the novel. In Sunwei, the "Golden Mountain" discussed represents America. View production, box office, & company info. Eat a Bowl of Tea remains a groundbreaking and influential work. And anyone into China or Asia will like it too. Eat a Bowl of Tea In fact, the conflict of the novel arises from the repeal of the Exclusion Act in 1943, for Mei Oi could not have come to the States before then. Momentarily he turned from his magazine to the lady...Shapely legs...The well proportioned legs drew his attention and reminded him of one day in Calcutta. Lists containing this Book. Use the HTML below. Chinese men who had emigrated to the United States were known as gimshunhocks, or "sojourner in Gold Mountain" from the Chinese name for America. Her arrival in New York should be a happy time for Mei Oi, as she is finally able to meet her father and to experience life in a big city. This chronological order is interrupted only after the first chapter when the text reveals an important memory to the reader, usually triggered by something in the character's present environment. It is a Chinese romantic film starring Cora Miao, Russell Wong, Victor Wong, Siu-Ming Lau and Eric Tsang. (86). Eat a Bowl of Tea (film) Share. These marriages lasted. However, because he is so well-connected in his tong through multitudes of devoted and powerful family members, he is not penalized for his actions. Eat a Bowl of Tea is a 1989 film directed by Wayne Wang based on the novel of the same name by Louis Chu. The life histories of four Asian women and their daughters reflect and guide each other. Taking place in New York's Chinatown in the late 1940s, Eat a Bowl of Tea is the story of the marriage of Ben Loy and Mei Oi, arranged by their respective fathers, Wah Gay and Lee Gong, who are two of the many "bachelor husbands" of Chinatown, married men whose wives were left behind in China when they came to America to work. Eat a Bowl of Tea is situated at this historical juncture with the legal history that sets the plot in motion. The Fourth Uncle consults this to confirm the most auspicious day for the marriage, Represents traditional practices of the Old Generation. 8 people found this helpful. Publication date 1989 Topics immigration, asian, immigrant, couple, marriage Language English. Although the tea is "thick, black, bitter...[and] not easy to swallow" (246), Ben Loy "kept going back to the herb doctor uncomplainingly" (246). "Husbands are different...They can go out and sleep with another woman and we woman folks can't do anything about it" (168). Topic. As this peaceful scene is unnervingly interrupted by a prostitute ringing Ben Loy's doorbell, the purpose of the passage becomes apparent. Although Wah Gay attacks Ah Song, he receives no punishment and Ah Song is exiled. [Ah Song rapes Mei Oi] "In the kitchen the white-enameled pot stood mute and unused, the lone cup of tea on the table forgotten and untouched. The text even portrays family ties overriding the law. By doing so, Ben Loy regains his masculinity both literally and figuratively. Eat a Bowl of Tea was published in 1961 and seems to have been misunderstood—or at best underappreciated for its rich depiction of a segment of Chinese American life. Add the first question. Eat A Bowl Of Tea by Wayne Wang, Louis Chu. Although they made love during their first few weeks of marriage, since their arrival in New York he no longer appears to desire her affection, even when she attempts to arouse him. Eat a Bowl of Tea gives us the history of Chinese immigrants in a way that is not portrayed in history books. By avoiding graphic descriptions, these passages remain tasteful and allow readers to use their own imaginations to obtain closure. The neighborhood eventually assumes the identity of the man as Ah Song, and Ben Loy and Mei Oi move to Stanton to avoid further embarrassment. 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