You are here:

Tongs: A Chinatown Story

Tongs: A Chinatown Story

Representation Score

3.3/10

Limited

1986

R

Director

Philip Chan Yan-Kin

Runtime

87 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Tongs: A Chinatown Story explores ethnic identity and the survival strategies of immigrants within the context of traditional crime narratives. It successfully provides meaningful representation of the Chinese diaspora in an American setting, challenging the typical Hollywood norms. However, the film adheres to the conventional masculine power dynamics and lacks diversity in gender and LGBTQ+ representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Tongs: A Chinatown Story have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on traditional crime stories and gang structures, which emphasizes masculine bonding rather than diverse LGBTQ+ identities.

How does Tongs: A Chinatown Story portray gender?

Limited

As an action-crime film set within the Chinese underworld, the story prioritizes patriarchal hierarchies and male leadership roles.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tongs: A Chinatown Story?

Good

The film significantly represents the Chinese diaspora, disrupting traditional Hollywood conventions by featuring a non-Western cast in an American setting.

How does Tongs: A Chinatown Story represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story delves into the complexities of immigrant life and finding acceptance within a small gang, highlighting the pragmatic survivalism of a underrepresented community.

Does Tongs: A Chinatown Story include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no indication of the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the film's narrative.

Present on Screen

  • Significant representation of the Chinese diaspora in an American setting.
  • Challenges traditional Hollywood norms by featuring a non-Western cast.
  • Authentic exploration of immigrant assimilation and subcultural belonging.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth perspectives.
  • Focuses on patriarchal hierarchies and traditional masculine leadership roles.
  • Does not include evidence of neurodivergent or physical disability representation.

Official Synopsis

A Chinese immigrant to America is sucked up into the Chinese underworld when he finds greater acceptance in the arms of a small gang.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.