Forbidden City, U.S.A.

1989

Documentary

Plot summary


Uploaded by: FREEMAN

Director

Top cast

720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
520.08 MB
988*720
English 2.0
NR
23.976 fps
12 hr 56 min
P/S 1 / 1
964.83 MB
1472*1072
English 2.0
NR
23.976 fps
12 hr 56 min
P/S 1 / 3

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by mjneu598 / 10

an entertaining, multi-layered history lesson

East meets West in this lively documentary about the first all-Chinese nightclub in America and some of the personalities who brought it to life: Larry Ching and Paul Wing (the Chinese Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire, respectively, quoting the club's own promotional ads),owner Charlie Low, and Toy Yat Mar (the Chinese Sophie Tucker),among others. The film works on several levels: as an insider's guide to a rarely seen aspect of show business; as a valuable local San Francisco history lesson; as big band nostalgia; and most of all as a cultural study exploring some of the attitudes, ironies, and misconceptions surrounding the Chinese American community, people who by definition are racially Chinese but culturally American. Director Arthur Dong has assembled a wealth of material: rare documentary footage; obscure excerpts from old Hollywood movies; and a rollicking background of 1940s swing music. But the best thing about the film is its many interviews: beyond being informative, each character tells a fascinating and touching story.

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