The Joy Luck Club

September 1993

(131)

Synopsis

THE JOY LUCK CLUB tells the uplifting story of four remarkable friends whose extraordinary lives are filled with joy and heartbreak. Their lifelong friendship reveals a mosaic of the startling events and conditions that have shaped their lives -- and how these experiences have affected the hopes and dreams they hold for each of their children. This exceptional motion picture is sure to entertain and inspire you from beginning to end!

Reviews

4.6

131 total

5 101

4 18

3 6

2 2

1 4

Janet Maslin

Both sweeping and intimate, a lovely evocation of changing cultures and enduring family ties.

Peter Travers

Four different actresses play the aunties in their youth, which sometimes keeps us struggling to keep the stories straight. That we do is a tribute to the power of Tan's theme about the miscommunication that separates one generation from another.

Roger Ebert

One of the most touching and moving of the year's films.

Hal Hinson

It's ravishing to look it, a truly gorgeous object. But it is not deep.

Desson Thomson

Gives refreshing -- and bittersweet -- dimension to the age-old clash between generations.

James Berardinelli

It's fascinating and satisfying the way the diverse threads are knitted together into a single tapestry.

Critic reviews

Janet Maslin

Both sweeping and intimate, a lovely evocation of changing cultures and enduring family ties.

Full Review

Peter Travers

Full Review

Roger Ebert

One of the most touching and moving of the year's films.

Full Review

Hal Hinson

It's ravishing to look it, a truly gorgeous object. But it is not deep.

Full Review

Desson Thomson

Gives refreshing -- and bittersweet -- dimension to the age-old clash between generations.

Full Review

James Berardinelli

It's fascinating and satisfying the way the diverse threads are knitted together into a single tapestry.

Full Review

User reviews

Frank Sinatra February 25, 2013

These women are sell outs!! These Asian mothers toiled through sweat, tears and blood, surviving a brutal war to come to America. And what do their daughters do in return? They forget all the hardship their mothers endured and marry the first rich white man they meet!! Instead of working hard for their money like their mothers, they want to be pampered by their rich white husbands and live an easy life of luxury through marriage! These women basically sell their bodies, beautifying themselves according to Western standards of beauty, while trying to sound educated so they can enter upper class society. They basically use their sexuality as a tool to move upward in social class through marriage. This, my friends, is a form of PROSTITUTION!! Whether these women are doing this consciously or subconsciously, they are engaging in prostitution. Is that really all an Asian woman has to offer society? Any dignified Asian woman should realize that this film is Westernized propaganda, teaching them that white is better and to silently accept the fact that their culture is dying. Even worse, it portrays the so-called "Asian-American experience" solely through the eyes of women and completely ignores the male experience.

Taco Monkey June 20, 2014

Wow. Get some tissues for this one. I love this movie. It is a sweet movie and quite the tear jerker. Or i should say sob factory. I never cried so much as with this movie. Except maybe E.T. when i was 10. Greatness awaits you.

A Google User May 9, 2012

I love this movie A masterful adaptation of Amy Tan's decadent book, about the duty, honor, courage, and faith, of women.

A Google User May 15, 2012

Best woman movie ever! This movie is so good. I love all the story, you will laugh you will cry.

Pep inmystep May 21, 2013

fell in love I can watch this movie over and over its just that great the story line of each person in the movie is so real and heart warming!

Nylina Luciano October 4, 2014

Beautiful story I have watched this movie and read the book many times. And everytime is like the first, heart touching

Akiko Rivera January 2, 2013

La Gata! I have always loved this movie. It will touch ur heart in so many ways.

A Google User May 13, 2012

A Classic Women's Movie I love this movie! every woman should see it, no matter your heritage, you will see a woman that remind you of someone you know, maybe even yourself!

Sarah Lively July 18, 2014

Loved it. A insightful retelling of Amy Tan's book, The Joy Luck Club movie breathed new life into the novel.

Tamiko Kaneshiro January 9, 2013

One of my favs, but... where are the english translations of the parts spoken in chinese!?! Yes, it is not totally necessary to understand what is going on. But there are some parts that really NEED the translation to understand the scene.

Greg Goff June 15, 2013

Brilliant A must see this movie is something that I will watch for ages

A Google User October 13, 2012

great film! tearjerker - every time. a woman's movie that is very relateable.

JoAnn Scott May 30, 2014

Great Movie Just happened upon this one early one morning. Thoroughly enjoyed it

Rosemary Rivera April 23, 2014

The Joy luck club Great movie about mothers and daughters. Very true to the book.

A Google User April 19, 2012

Awsome Great movie. Lovd it! Id watch it a million times.

rachel mckelvey November 15, 2013

LOVELY FILM! THIS IS A WONDERFUL, VERY BEAUTIFUL MOVIE!!!

Theresa Hicks May 13, 2014

Enjoy Is dis movie on cd or what.how can i get on.

Alexzandra Harrison March 24, 2014

Love It

Belinda Vega December 8, 2013

Yes Love this movie ,,

Shemqua Cross October 9, 2013

FILM Addict I loved this movie.

Cast and credits

Actors	Rosalind Chao, Tsai Chin, Kieu Chinh, Lisa Lu, France Nuyen, Lauren Tom, Tamlyn Tomita, Ming-Na Wen
Producers	Wayne Wang, Amy Tan, Ronald Bass, Patrick Markey
Director	Wayne Wang
Writers	Amy Tan, Ronald Bass

Additional information

Rotten tomatoes® score

85%

Audio language

English (Stereo)

Subtitles

English

Rental period

Start within 30 days, finish within 72 hours.

Info cards

Enabled

Run time

139 minutes

Rating

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