The late rapper makes his acting debut in the sports drama focused on the Asian American high school experience.
Written and directed by Eddie Huang, Boogie (2021) is the latest coming of age drama from Focus Features. Starring Taylor Takahashi as the protagonist Alfred “Boogie” Chin, the film follows a Chinese-Taiwanese American’s struggles to revolutionise American basketball. The trailer challenges stereotypes placed on Asian culture. Stereotypes which closed-mindedly claim that they can only “cook, clean, and count real good”. In the trailer, Huang shines a spotlight on the Asian American experience in both sports and high school. The trailer promises a motivational sports drama for all immigrants to relate to and for non-immigrants to empathise with.
Influenced by the movie Good Will Hunting (1997), director Eddie Huang describes the film as the catalyst behind his upcoming debut. As told in Huang’s own words: “That movie was the moment where I said, I would like to make a film that changes another kid’s life.”. Just as Gus Van Sant’s Good Will Hunting motivated Huang, Boogie looks set to inspire its viewers.
The film features stars such as Pamelyn Chee, Jorge Lendeborg Jr. and Taylour Paige. Additionally, it presents a posthumous acting debut by late American rapper, Pop Smoke. Alongside his appearance, the rapper’s unreleased music shall also feature in the film.
Fans of basketball, music, and contemporary New York will more than likely love this film. Loaded with familial tension, basketball pressure and social turmoil, the trailer offers a glimpse into the movie to come.
Boogie is set to be released on the 5th March 2021 across cinemas in the USA. Currently, a UK release date for the film is yet to be confirmed. However, fans this side of the Atlantic will more than likely be able to watch the movie soon, with the growing anticipation and excitement online.
And so, the trailer concludes with an intriguing question asking “So what are you gonna do?”. I can assure you, we’ll be watching Boogie.
Words by Naomi Akintola.
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