AAM.tv to re-release controversial AAPI thriller ‘Chink’ on Lunar New Year
By Ryan General
Streaming service Asian American Movies (AAM.tv) is set to re-release “Chink,” a provocative AAPI serial killer thriller on Lunar New Year (Feb. 10).
About the film: The controversial film, directed by Stanley Yung and written by Koji Steven Sakai, follows the journey of Eddy Tsai, a Chinese American grappling with self-hate, who spirals into the world of serial killing.
Tsai is portrayed by Jason Tobin, known for his roles in “Warrior” and “Better Luck Tomorrow.” “Chink,” which has an alternative title of “#1 Serial Killer,” also stars Eugenia Yuan (“Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon II”) and Tzi Ma (“Mulan,” “The Farewell”).
Previous accolades: The film originally premiered at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival in 2013, where Tobin won the award for breakthrough performance by an actor. Chink was also named best thriller feature film at the Burbank International Film Festival.
Challenging stereotypes: With its upcoming release, “Chink” aims to challenge stereotypes and spark conversations on race, sexuality and the intricacies of AAPI identity.
“It’s time for the so-called ‘model minority’ stereotype to die,” Yung said in a press release. “Take some dynamite and a blowtorch and blow it out of the water. Chink is a slasher movie with a message.”
Deeper narrative: Sakai similarly delved into the motivations behind the film’s exploration of self-hate in an interview with CineVue. Sakai revealed that while the character of Tsai was inspired by a fascination with serial killers, particularly Ted Bundy, it evolved to reflect a deeper narrative about racial identity and societal perceptions.
“Chink is a story about a self-hating Asian American who uses the model minority myth to his advantage. The self-hate is something we (as filmmakers) wanted to bring up. I think all people can relate to self-hate, but this is especially true for people of color. Eddy’s self-hate leads him to see the fact that the model minority stereotype might not necessarily be a bad thing. He realizes that it could help him become a better serial killer—because no one would suspect him.”
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