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New Statesman
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Statesman
The Wedding Banquet is a breath of fresh air
Photo by BFA / Luka Cyprian / Bleecker Street In Ang Lee's 1993 film The Wedding Banquet, the conflict centred around Wai-Tung, a closeted Taiwanese-American man, and his sham marriage to a woman. Fashioned as a screwball comedy but sharply, sensitively observed, it wrung laughter from the awkwardness of navigating cultural and inter-generational differences. With its elaborate central bacchanal and a running joke about Wai-Tung's live-in white boyfriend secretly cooking all the food, it was an international hit. But while its farcical elements remain timeless, today, its coming out narrative feels almost quaint. The legalisation of gay marriage, along with increased LGBT representation in pop culture, has created an opportunity to tell different, more complex queer stories. It's also an opportunity to make different jokes. In Korean-American director Andrew Ahn's deft remake, he doubles down on the original film's zany plot: in his Wedding Banquet, one half of a lesbian couple agrees to a straight marriage with the partner of her gay best friend. The film revolves around two long-term couples, Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) and Lee (Lily Gladstone), and their best friends Chris (Bowen Yang) and Min (Han Gi-Chan). Angela and Lee are struggling to have a baby following several unsuccessful rounds of expensive IVF. Min, a wealthy art student from Korea, needs to secure his visa or else move home and take over the family business. And Chris, a PhD student with commitment issues, won't marry him. 'I am not going to be responsible for you losing your money or being disowned by your family,' he insists. So Min suggests a workaround: he will pay for his friends' IVF in exchange for a green card marriage. But when his grandmother Ja-Young (Minari's Youn Yuh-jung) gets wind that he's engaged, she arrives in Seattle and insists on a big Korean wedding. Director Ahn and writer James Schamus (who co-wrote the original film) move the story from Nineties Manhattan to present day Seattle, updating the source material in various, amusing ways. The 1993 film took gentle jabs at yuppie culture, with an estate agent protagonist who spent all his free time at the gym. Ahn lovingly teases his own cohort; his hipster millennial ensemble include an aspiring artist with a 10-step skincare routine, a community organizer at a queer nonprofit, a literature student-turned-birdwatching guide, and my favourite, a researcher in a worm lab. The one-liners are all sharp elbows; 'Queer theory takes the joy out of being gay,' deadpans Chris of his lapsed PhD. Yet when it comes to the supporting characters, Ahn refuses to trade in stereotypes for the sake of a gag. Min's formidable, no-nonsense grandmother is portrayed as intelligent rather than simply 'wise' while Angela's glamorous, domineering mother May (a very funny and charming Joan Chen) is not only accepting of her daughter's queerness, but an ally, glowing and sparkling with pride. 'My own daughter, marrying a man!' she gasps when she hears her news. Angela, of course, finds her 'triggering.' Romantic comedies often focus on courtship rather than commitment, which is perhaps why films like this one, along with Tina Fey's recent TV remake of Alan Alda's The Four Seasons, feels like a breath of fresh air. The Four Seasons questions if romance and domesticity can coexist, through the prism of three middle-aged married couples. Similarly, in The Wedding Banquet, though the characters express interest in the rituals of marriage and becoming parents, there's an unwillingness to buy into those institutions wholesale. Tellingly, the film's big drunken set piece takes place at Angela's hen do, not the wedding. Mostly, the film is lighthearted and fun, which is why it wobbles a little when trying to find its balance. Ahn treats the theme of a chosen family with earnest, weary seriousness, but the grounded dramatic performances can jar with the zippier jokes. Gladstone (Killers of the Flower Moon) is a dab hand with both, but a sombre, too-realistic confrontation between her and Tran's Angela feels like it belongs in a different movie. Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe 'The Wedding Banquet' is in cinemas now Related
New York Post
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
'Sleep No More' producers owe McKittrick Hotel millions in back rent: courts
The long-running, immersive theatrical spectacle 'Sleep No More' may have taken its final bow at the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea in January — but the drama's not over. Known for its enchanting, noir-style adaptation of Shakespeare's Macbeth, the show had been a fixture in the city's theater scene since 2011. While slated to close in 2024, popular demand kept the production around another year. Advertisement 6 'Sleep No More,' the long-running immersive theater experience inspired by Macbeth, has lost its legal battle with landlord Centaur Properties and is supposedly on the hook for roughly $5 million in unpaid rent and legal fees. Matteo Prandoni/BFA / Shutterstock And while the curtain has finally fallen, producers Arthur Karpati and Jonathan Hochwald apparently still owe millions to the venue. A New York judge ruled last week that the pair are liable for approximately $5 million in unpaid rent and legal fees — siding entirely with the show's landlord, Centaur Properties. Advertisement The decision follows more than a year of increasingly bitter legal entanglements between the two parties, culminating in four separate lawsuits and a courtroom showdown. 'This was not an eviction case, because they left about a month ago — voluntarily left, without tendering the rent,' Terrence Oved, attorney and co-founding partner at Oved & Oved LLP, which represented Centaur, told The Post. 'We didn't ask for an eviction. It wasn't necessary. They left already. We're just chasing them for the approximately $5 million that was owed.' 6 'Sleep No More' producers Arthur Karpati (L) and Jonathan Hochwald (R). Matteo Prandoni/BFA / Shutterstock Advertisement According to court filings, Centaur Properties apparently forgave more than $5 million in rent during the COVID-19 pandemic — in an effort to give the show financial breathing room. But after the theatrical experience resumed and reportedly became profitable again, Centaur alleges the production once again defaulted in 2023, accruing an additional $4.5 million in rent arrears before closing the show for good. 6 The show famously ran for 14 years at the hotel. Matteo Prandoni/BFA / Shutterstock 6 The show originally planned to end production in early 2024, but due to popular demand, extended its performances for another year — before finally closing the curtain in 2025. Matteo Prandoni/BFA / Shutterstock Advertisement The legal battle began in February 2024 — when Centaur sued Karpati and Hochwald as personal guarantors of the lease. In response, the duo countersued Centaur and several of its representatives, claiming they were fraudulently coerced into signing the lease amendment that had previously wiped the slate clean. The tenant's complaint alleged a range of wrongdoing — but the court rejected these claims. 6 'Sleep No More' has been a fixture in the hotel scene since 2011. William Farrington 6 Centaur's attorneys, Darren (L) and Terrence Oved (R) of Oved & Oved LLP. 'This dispute is not about principle but about principal,' brothers Terrence and Darren Oved said in an earlier statement. 'PDNYC's [who the show's producers operate under] complaint is a baseless, misguided and transparent attempt to avoid its obligation to pay over $4 million in past due rent.' Advertisement In its ruling, issued Friday, May 16, the court dismissed all counterclaims brought by Karpati and Hochwald and found them jointly liable for the amounts owed under the lease, including attorney's fees. 'We are grateful for the court's swift and sound dismissal of the baseless allegations against our clients,' the attorneys said in a statement following the decision. 'Harlan Berger and Centaur have acted with utmost integrity throughout this drama. 'Sleep No More' will find neither sleep nor slumber until its substantial financial obligations to our client have been fulfilled.' According to Oved, the decision to vacate the premises was a strategic one, likely made to limit further damage. Advertisement 'They started realizing that it was closing in on them more,' he said. 'And we told them that the longer they stay there, the longer our damages are gonna be accruing. So they left in a desperate attempt to try to shut their damages.' The show's producers have not responded to requests for comment.
Business Upturn
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
Brad Keselowski Visits Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay to Unveil Special Patriotic Paint Scheme on No. 6 BuildSubmarines.com Ford
Kings Bay, GA, May 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | B-ROLL AND INTERVIEW LINK INCLUDED: CONTACT: Mike Massaro [email protected] Brad Keselowski Visits Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay to Unveil Special Patriotic Paint Scheme on No. 6 Ford KINGS BAY, GA (May 8, 2025) – NASCAR champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, Brad Keselowski, visited Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on Wednesday, for a special event honoring America's undersea warfighters. The visit included a tour of the base's facilities, time spent with active-duty Sailors and civilian workforce, and the official unveiling of a patriotic paint scheme for the No. 6 Ford Mustang, which will hit the track for the Memorial Day Weekend race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25. The event was part of a collaborative effort between RFK Racing, the U.S. Navy, and BlueForge Alliance (BFA) to support a national campaign to accelerate the revitalization of the maritime industrial base. The custom paint scheme features bold red, white, and blue elements inspired by the silent service to recognize and support the men and women of the Navy's Submarine Force and to promote the platform to recruit, educate and train the workforce needed to build and sustain our nations submarine force. The visit not only honored those who serve at sea, but also those who serve behind the scenes—shipfitters, welders, electricians, engineers, and planners—who ensure our submarines are maintained, modernized, and ready to deploy. 'It was an incredible honor to visit Kings Bay and spend time with the brave Sailors who protect our nation from beneath the sea and the civilians who work tirelessly to keep our submarines ready, safe, and mission-capable,' said Keselowski. 'Their commitment, discipline, and courage are truly inspiring, and I'm proud that our No. 6 car will carry a design that celebrates their service.' The Kings Bay appearance, which coincided with National Skilled Trades Day, showcased the career opportunities in the maritime sector. Wednesday's event featured a series of engagements between Keselowski and Navy leadership, shipyard teams, civilian workforce, and service members. 'We deeply appreciate the support and recognition from Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing, and the initiative,' said Rear Adm. Robert Wirth, Commander, Submarine Group 10. 'This visit and the patriotic car design are meaningful tributes to the extraordinary work of our submariners and the skilled civilians who maintain the fleet to ensure our national security.' During his visit, Keselowski met with leadership from Submarine Group Ten before touring the Trident Refit Facility. He also visited key work areas, including the Hull Shop and Refit Wharf, where he unveiled the custom RFK Racing paint scheme inspired by the submarine fleet—paying tribute to the skilled workforce behind the nation's undersea deterrent. The initiative is part of the Navy and BFA's broader mission to engage the public and elevate awareness around the vital role of undersea defense and the skilled workforce behind it. 'This visit is a great example of how the BuildSubmarines platform can spur connection between industry, community, and the Navy, and is a key enabler to meet our shipbuilding labor demand,' said Kiley Wren, co-founder and co- chief executive of BlueForge Alliance. 'We're thrilled to partner with RFK Racing and Brad Keselowski to highlight the dedication of our Sailors and civilian workforce and to inspire the next generation of skilled trades to support America's shipbuilding industry.' 'It's an honor to be here and meet the people who keep our Navy strong,' said Keselowski. 'These Sailors and civilian workers I met are doing mission-critical work. If our sport can help raise awareness and inspire more Americans to be part of that mission – whether in uniform or in the maritime industry, I'm proud to play a small role in it.' As the No. 6 Ford Mustang hits the track this Memorial Day, it carries more than a patriotic design. It carries a message of gratitude, pride, and a call to action for the next generation of American shipbuilders. FOR B-ROLL PACKAGE AND INTERVIEWS ( #1 Rear Adm. Robert Wirth, Commander, Submarine Group 10, #2 Kiley Wren, co-founder and co- chief executive of BlueForge Alliance, #3 RFK Racing Driver, Brad Keselowski) Click HERE About RFK Racing RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport's most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, English Premier League's Liverpool F.C., and the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing. About BlueForge Alliance BlueForge Alliance (BFA) is a nonprofit, mission-driven partner accelerating the revitalization of the defense industrial base through non-traditional approaches that deliver speed, access, and scale. BFA is headquartered in Bryan/College Station, Texas. For more information, visit About is the central hub for recruiting and training the workforce needed to build and sustain U.S. Navy submarines. Powered in part by ZipRecruiter, the site connects candidates with thousands of job opportunities and advanced training available through career profiles. also partners with government, industry, and educational institutions to highlight the critical need for skilled labor workers and the roles they play in supporting the U.S. Navy's national defense efforts. is owned and operated by BlueForge Alliance. For more information, visit Attachments Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Trash, treasure and thrifting: China's youth turns eco-anxiety into trendy action
A staff member demonstrates the plastic recycling process at the Boao zero-carbon demonstration zone during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, March 25, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Ziyi) BEIJING (May 6): When Cici Tomato donated her ex-boyfriend's hoodie to a secondhand shop in Shanghai providing what it calls a 'Rescue Wardrobe for Your Ex's Clothes,' she wasn't only thinking about decluttering. 'Letting it go felt like giving both the hoodie and myself a fresh start,' said Cici, who swapped the item for a cropped tank top. The spirit of the service — rehoming clothes to reduce waste and support communities — captures the spirit of China's youth-driven sustainability movement: practical, personal, and undeniably cool. Whether it's redistributing surplus food in mystery bags or using worms to compost in high-rise apartments, young innovators are turning sustainability into a joyful, accessible lifestyle — less of a burden and more of a daily rhythm. Leading the charge is Xishi Magic Bag, a social enterprise tackling food waste by selling 'mystery bags' filled with unsold, discounted, perfectly edible food items from bakeries, cafes and convenience stores. Since 2021, the initiative has expanded to over 100 cities, rescuing more than 10,000 tonnes of food in total. Users see their carbon footprints reduction through an app, blending environmental impact reduction with gamification. 'It's like being a wizard,' said Luona Cai, 32, a partner at Xishi. 'You grab a bag, save food, and bam — you've cast a spell against waste.' Over 80 percent of Xishi users are women aged 18 to 40, drawn by the thrill of treasure hunting while slashing their carbon footprints. The surprise element — the contents of each bag are a mystery — turns sustainability into an adventure. The initiative's impact goes beyond reducing emissions. 'Magic brings new life' is more than just a slogan for Xishi; It was inspired by a user who found it both an emotional comfort and financial relief during a tough job transition. Others have also shared stories of serendipity, like couples who met during bag pickups. 'When sustainability is convenient and fun, people embrace it,' Cai said. This fusion of personal and planetary care resonates with influencers like Su Yige, a 27-year-old sustainable and vegan lifestyle content creator with over 110,000 followers on Bilibili and Xiaohongshu, liftstyle platforms. Su, who began her sustainability journey in college, champions eco-living as 'hedonism, not hardship,' sharing tips on thrifting lipstick, plant-based recipes, and DIY decor for rented apartments. 'Eco-living is a lifestyle, not a mission,' said Su, who rejects the pressure to be an extreme environmentalist. 'People think you need to quit plastic or avoid flights. I say: Start where you are. Even small choices matter.' Businesses are also riding the sustainability wave. In Beijing, Amy Li, a restaurateur and co-founder of Susu & Pakpak, has embraced Xishi Magic Bag as a creative way to manage surplus food and empower young chefs. 'We don't allow popular dishes to sell out,' she explained. 'But prepared ingredients would go to waste. The magic bags enable us to reduce waste and give customers something experimental.' For some, this shift to sustainability goes even deeper. In her 30s, Zhang Ying made a bold career shift, leaving her job as an English tutor to become a full-time nature educator. Zhang, who now goes by her 'nature name,' Sandalwood, teaches children in cities about composting through her apartment earthworm colony. Their 'black gold' fertilizer, which is made from kitchen scraps, nourishes plants and minds alike. 'Apart from being producers and consumers, we're all decomposers in nature's grand story,' she said. 'Even a tiny worm can reshape how we see our place in the world.' This eco-culture shift is evident in data: A 2023 China Youth Daily survey revealed that over 90 percent of college student respondents expressed concern about environmental issues, with many actively practicing eco-friendly habits like reducing food waste, conserving energy and eating more plant-based meals. This proactive mindset fuels platforms like secondhand marketplace app Xianyu, which boasts 600 million users. Restaurants are also seeing surging demand for 'mini' portions, and apps reward low-carbon habits with subway discounts or tree-planting credits. Cai sees a contrast between generations: 'Older people practiced frugality out of necessity. But today's youth, raised in a digital age, are asking deeper questions — about their future, their relationship with nature, and what it means to live with purpose.' Cai and her team now plan to expand Xishi Magic Bag's supply base to include cooked meals, hotel buffets and upstream food suppliers, aiming to tackle food waste at the source. Whether sparked by a discarded hoodie or a rescued croissant, China's youth is rewriting the green playbook one small, fashionable choice at a time. For Su, progress lies in imperfection. 'Eco-living isn't about being flawless. It's about doing your best, your way.' 'Self-care,' Su reflected, 'can go hand in hand with Earth-care.' – Xinhua China environment Recycling sustainability
Sydney Morning Herald
29-04-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Lending your kids money? This could save you from going to court
Around Australia, many family lawyers are on a delicate mission: helping parents and grandparents navigate how to help loved ones financially while still protecting their assets if there's a break-up. It's becoming an increasingly common query from clients of a certain age, who want to subsidise their child or grandchild but also keep assets in the family if a relationship ends. It's a fraught issue as Australia experiences an era of massive intergenerational wealth transfer, with an estimated $3.5 trillion in assets expected to be passed on by 2050. There are three main options when transferring wealth: a gift (which offers little to no legal protection), a loan (which can be contested, especially if not properly documented) or the most robust legal option, the Binding Financial Agreement (BFA). A decade ago, it was unusual to request a BFA for family wealth transfer. Now, many parents won't extend money to their children unless they and their partner enter into a binding agreement. What is a BFA? BFAs are powerful legal tools that can protect financial contributions when you hand over wealth (whether early inheritance, money for a home deposit or other financial support). They allow all parties to define in legal terms how specific assets will be treated in the event of separation. They are enforceable under the Family Law Act and allow parties to contract out of the usual rules surrounding division of property. This is particularly useful in blended families, second or subsequent marriages, or when significant family wealth is involved. A BFA must be signed with independent legal advice on both sides, which offers an extra layer of fairness, clarity and enforceability. But they are not without complications. Any situation where a legal document intersects with love, family and money should be approached with careful thought and expert advice.
