Based on the acclaimed 2006 graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, American Born Chinese is an original Disney+ television series adapted by Kelvin Yu. This fantasy action-comedy explores the themes around the Asian American identity, including cultural assimilation, racism, and the immigrant experience.
American Born Chinese Introduction
In the original graphic novel, three separate but intertwining narratives eventually converge at the end. It starts with Sun Wukong, better known as the Monkey King. He is a Chinese folklore character immortalized in the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. This storyline is largely a retelling of his story: A monkey who seeks to be recognized as a god but faces rejection from other immortals.
The second storyline revolves around Jin Wang, a Chinese American boy who struggles with his identity and tries to fit in at school. He befriends a recent immigrant, Wei-Chun, and together, the boys navigate stereotypes and racism from their peers. The third storyline revolves around Danny, a popular American boy with a perfect life. He is embarrassed by his Chinese cousin, Chin-kee, who is depicted as having racist stereotypes.
As the story progresses, these narratives converge, revealing how each character grapples with their identity and the expectations placed upon them. It is later revealed that Danny is actually Jin Wang, "transformed" by magic into a Caucasian boy, Chin-kee is the Monkey King in disguise, and Wei-Chun is the Monkey King's wayward son.
The show makes several changes to characters and storylines in the adaptation but is anchored by the story of Jin Wang, a Chinese American boy struggling to fit in at school. He goes on a hero's journey when he meets several characters from Chinese mythology, including the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, and the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin.
Cast of American Born Chinese
The show features an all-star Asian and Asian American cast, reuniting the cast of the Oscar-winning film Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Jin Wang is portrayed by newcomer Ben Wong. This was Ben's first major role, and previously played small parts on other TV shows and roles in independent movies.
Sun Wei-Chun is portrayed by Taiwanese actor Jimmy Liu. He previously had small parts on several TV shows.
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is portrayed by international superstar Daniel Wu. A Bay Area native, he shot to fame as an actor in Hong Kong in a string of hits and award-winning films, including Gen-X Cops and One Night in Mongkok. He famously pranked the Hong Kong entertainment industry with the mockumentary Heavenly Kings.
Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, is portrayed by Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. Michelle also started in Hong Kong as an action star alongside Jackie Chan. She shot to international fame with the Academy Award-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. She later won Best Actress for her work on Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Jamie Yao is a new character created for TV based on the character of Chin-Yee from the graphic novel. He is portrayed by Ke Huy Quan. Jamie is a former actor known for playing the accident-prone Freddy Wong in the fictional sitcom Beyond Repair. Ke Huy is best known for his work as a child actor, playing Short Round from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Data from The Goonies. His acting career was revived with his portrayal in Everything Everywhere All At Once.
Ji Gong, commonly known as the Mad Monk, is portrayed by comedian Ronny Chiang. Ronny shot to fame as a senior correspondent on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He also had roles in Crazy Rich Asians and Marvel Studio's Shang-Chi.
The Jade Emperor is portrayed by guest star James Hong. At age 96, James is one of the most prolific actors in Hollywood, having started his career in the 1950s. He also starred in Everything Everywhere All At Once and is best known today for his voice work on Kung Fu Panda.
Ao Guang, the Dragon King of the East Sea, is portrayed by comedian Jimmy O. Yang. Jimmy is best known for his work on HBO's Silicon Valley, Netflix's Space Force, and the romantic comedy Hard Love.
The goddess Shiji Niangniang is portrayed by Oscar-nominated actress Stephanie Hsu. Stephanie is best known for her work on Everything Everywhere All At Once and Joy Ride.
Reviews of American Born Chinese
While American Born Chinese was not renewed for a second season, it received rave reviews. It currently has a 94% rank on RottenTomatos.com and a 7/10 rank on IMDB. Lauren Thoman of The Wrap said in her review, "Overall, "American Born Chinese" delivers a fun and imaginative take on how it feels to exist with a foot in two different worlds, whether that's as the child of immigrants or as the immortal heir to a celestial dynasty." Meanwhile, Alison Herman of Variety said, "You'll wish [the show] had more time to play out and breathe. That sounds like a complaint, but it's ultimately a compliment. In 2023, it's rare for a show to have more ideas than space, not the other way around."
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