Of course the movie can be very cute. But it is still a racist fantasy. Why is she a prostitute? Why does she have an accent? If you want a romantic comedy involving Asian women, since that is what this is about, try FlowerDrum Song. Nancy Kwan is still in it and she isn't a prostitute. It is weird how we as a society have made so little progress in stereotypes of Asians.
Thank you for your feedback, and the points that you make. Flower Drum Song is a great film, as are others which show Nancy in a variety of roles. I suspect that stereotyping is more a human trait than a Western one. I love " Klute", but one would hardly say that it is a typical Jane Fonda role. For me the magic of this film is Nancy's relationship with William Holden. "The Wind Cannot Read", also written by Richard Mason, shows a very different picture of Asian women.
As far as I know, only parts of it. But you can pick up the dvd of it pretty cheaply if you search around. I would never be without this film ... its like an old friend. :-)
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Many people don't like this movie, saying it devalues women (and asians); I think just the opposite. It's about two people living lives that don't make them happy, not realizing they are free to make better choices. Both come to realizations of what they want, come together, and walk off into the sunset-- together. I especially love the part where he finally gives in to loving her-- OMG! This is the most romantic story ever! Thanks for the upload.
I echo all your sentiments. I can never tire of watching the film. The book is equally as good, if not better ... but it doesn't have Nancy! William Holden is perfect in his role. The funeral scene for Suzie's baby left me in awe when I first saw it, and still does. A beautiful, beautiful film. Thank you for your feedback. :)
@StrawberryQwik The important thing is if YOU think it devalues women and Asians, which obviously you don't. Good. It never did for me either I'm a decrepit old man now but I've always loved this film and still find it one of the loveliest, and complex, love stories ever filmed. I defy anyone to say that stories like this do not happen in real life. I've seen them.
@StrawberryQwik I agree completely and nothing in this devalues anyone because everything portrayed actually exists, for good of bad. And above all it is a most beautiful love story with elements of tragedy, comedy and compassion. It's timeless and if YouTube wasn't so god damned stupid it would still be available in its entirety.
Her song is beautiful and heart-breaking. The scene is potentially beautiful but for me doesn't quite work. I think they could have gotten more out of it; somehow they stepped on it via Holden's brusqueness. I realize that his brusqueness is essential to the plot, that the central arc of the film is his journey from brusque to tender, but I do think that here we could have, let's say, caught a brief glimpse of his heart melting, and then he could have switched the brusqueness back on.
Thank you for your comments. You make your case well. I have always loved this film and in particular, the relationship between Robert and Suzie. Those who haven't read the book by Richard Mason, I urge to do so, and also his other novels, particularly, The Wind Cannot Read.
Her first role!! In fact she really ,sadly, did not have anything as memorable to do again-tho' she certainly was most effective in many of her over 40 films. But Suzie endures-sexy.funny,romantic--enchanting.It compares with Audrey Hepburn in its Magic.
I have seen Nancy in a few films[enjoyed them all] and I do agree with you that she never reached her 'Suzie' heights again. Perhaps she didn't have big enough roles in most of them to truly express herself. This film remains a gem. I, too, love Audrey Hepburn and can see the association. Holly Go-Lightly shares a flat with Suzie Wong ... I might just watch that film. :)
@zzenzero The film world really did not know what to do with her-it might have been fun had a Suzie like character been made for her in a tv show-sort of an asian 'That Girl'-who knows. Today it might happen-not back then. And-she wasnt really an actress in her mind until later in her career-she actually talked in 1962 of quiting after her contract was complete and raise kids! Perhaps that hurt her opportunities -but may be why she is to this day a balanced and still beautiful woman and talent.
I think a TV show spin-off would indeed happen today. You are so right about the wonderful woman that she has turned out to be. The main thing is that the film WAS made and we do have this extraordinary jewel to behold. One magical moment is better than none and one must rejoice in what we have rather than wish for more. :)
Sorry I didn't reply but I couldn't find the answer...Joshi did!!
Her background suggests Cantonese but it does seem to be a 'hybrid' unique to Nancy. It doesn't sound like mandarin as I know it but then I'm not an expert.
Of course the movie can be very cute. But it is still a racist fantasy. Why is she a prostitute? Why does she have an accent? If you want a romantic comedy involving Asian women, since that is what this is about, try FlowerDrum Song. Nancy Kwan is still in it and she isn't a prostitute. It is weird how we as a society have made so little progress in stereotypes of Asians.
ContractorBlack 4 days ago
@ContractorBlack
Thank you for your feedback, and the points that you make. Flower Drum Song is a great film, as are others which show Nancy in a variety of roles. I suspect that stereotyping is more a human trait than a Western one. I love " Klute", but one would hardly say that it is a typical Jane Fonda role. For me the magic of this film is Nancy's relationship with William Holden. "The Wind Cannot Read", also written by Richard Mason, shows a very different picture of Asian women.
zzenzero 2 days ago
Does anyone know if I can watch the world of suzie Wong in parts on utube..
melanie1616161 5 months ago
@melanie1616161
As far as I know, only parts of it. But you can pick up the dvd of it pretty cheaply if you search around. I would never be without this film ... its like an old friend. :-)
zzenzero 5 months ago
Western military men marrying foreign Asian women is still pretty common even to this day.
xXxPiousNinjaxXx 7 months ago
@xXxPiousNinjaxXx
Very true. The world is almost becoming one country. Nice thought. :)
zzenzero 7 months ago
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Many people don't like this movie, saying it devalues women (and asians); I think just the opposite. It's about two people living lives that don't make them happy, not realizing they are free to make better choices. Both come to realizations of what they want, come together, and walk off into the sunset-- together. I especially love the part where he finally gives in to loving her-- OMG! This is the most romantic story ever! Thanks for the upload.
StrawberryQwik 11 months ago
@StrawberryQwik
I echo all your sentiments. I can never tire of watching the film. The book is equally as good, if not better ... but it doesn't have Nancy! William Holden is perfect in his role. The funeral scene for Suzie's baby left me in awe when I first saw it, and still does. A beautiful, beautiful film. Thank you for your feedback. :)
zzenzero 10 months ago
@StrawberryQwik The important thing is if YOU think it devalues women and Asians, which obviously you don't. Good. It never did for me either I'm a decrepit old man now but I've always loved this film and still find it one of the loveliest, and complex, love stories ever filmed. I defy anyone to say that stories like this do not happen in real life. I've seen them.
deriter64 8 months ago
@StrawberryQwik I agree completely and nothing in this devalues anyone because everything portrayed actually exists, for good of bad. And above all it is a most beautiful love story with elements of tragedy, comedy and compassion. It's timeless and if YouTube wasn't so god damned stupid it would still be available in its entirety.
deriter64 6 months ago
Comment removed
StrawberryQwik 11 months ago
Her song is beautiful and heart-breaking. The scene is potentially beautiful but for me doesn't quite work. I think they could have gotten more out of it; somehow they stepped on it via Holden's brusqueness. I realize that his brusqueness is essential to the plot, that the central arc of the film is his journey from brusque to tender, but I do think that here we could have, let's say, caught a brief glimpse of his heart melting, and then he could have switched the brusqueness back on.
thishereguitar 11 months ago
@thishereguitar
Thank you for your comments. You make your case well. I have always loved this film and in particular, the relationship between Robert and Suzie. Those who haven't read the book by Richard Mason, I urge to do so, and also his other novels, particularly, The Wind Cannot Read.
zzenzero 11 months ago
She is beautiful, charming, adorable, sparkling and rare... very much like Audrey, only (I think) even more lovable.
Love love love her, love love love the film.
wildthornrose 1 year ago
@wildthornrose
I couldn't agree more ... Suzie is perfect. Audrey Hepburn does have similar qualities too. :)
zzenzero 1 year ago
the most beautiful woman ever
richjapo 1 year ago
@richjapo
Absolutely! I might add a 'forever' to your ever. :)
zzenzero 1 year ago
Her first role!! In fact she really ,sadly, did not have anything as memorable to do again-tho' she certainly was most effective in many of her over 40 films. But Suzie endures-sexy.funny,romantic--enchanting.It compares with Audrey Hepburn in its Magic.
MrCappy4 1 year ago
@MrCappy4
I have seen Nancy in a few films[enjoyed them all] and I do agree with you that she never reached her 'Suzie' heights again. Perhaps she didn't have big enough roles in most of them to truly express herself. This film remains a gem. I, too, love Audrey Hepburn and can see the association. Holly Go-Lightly shares a flat with Suzie Wong ... I might just watch that film. :)
zzenzero 1 year ago
@zzenzero The film world really did not know what to do with her-it might have been fun had a Suzie like character been made for her in a tv show-sort of an asian 'That Girl'-who knows. Today it might happen-not back then. And-she wasnt really an actress in her mind until later in her career-she actually talked in 1962 of quiting after her contract was complete and raise kids! Perhaps that hurt her opportunities -but may be why she is to this day a balanced and still beautiful woman and talent.
MrCappy4 1 year ago
@MrCappy4
I think a TV show spin-off would indeed happen today. You are so right about the wonderful woman that she has turned out to be. The main thing is that the film WAS made and we do have this extraordinary jewel to behold. One magical moment is better than none and one must rejoice in what we have rather than wish for more. :)
zzenzero 1 year ago
@zzenzero Ditto----
MrCappy4 1 year ago
MOST OUTSTANDING WOMEN OF HER TIME
rwilli3412 1 year ago
@rwilli3412
I completely agree. :)
zzenzero 1 year ago
What dialect is that song in? It doesn't sound like Cantonese or Mandarin.
jungyew 1 year ago
@jungyew
It's mandarin, with a very bad accent...
Joshi833 1 year ago
@Joshi833
Thanks for your contribution. I'm none the wiser but I take your point.
zzenzero 1 year ago
@jungyew
Sorry I didn't reply but I couldn't find the answer...Joshi did!!
Her background suggests Cantonese but it does seem to be a 'hybrid' unique to Nancy. It doesn't sound like mandarin as I know it but then I'm not an expert.
zzenzero 1 year ago