Andrew Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet revitalises Ang Lee’s 1993 classic, bringing a contemporary lens to themes of love, the weight of tradition, the complexities of identity, and societal expectations. While the original film followed a dutiful Taiwanese son confronting the pressures of tradition, Ahn’s version expands the narrative, introducing new characters and conflicts that reflect modern realities.
At its heart is Min (Han Gi-chan), the heir to a Korean fashion company, who orchestrates a sham marriage with his best friend Angela (Kelly Marie Tran) in exchange for financial help with her partner’s IVF treatment. Meanwhile, Min’s boyfriend Chris (Bowen Yang) hesitates to take the next step in their relationship, and Angela finds herself caught between a controlling mother and an emotionally distant partner. The film retains the comedic chaos of the original while offering a more complex look at personal and cultural struggles.
I didn’t try to separate the comedy from the drama; instead, I focused on playing each moment truthfully. The humor comes from the absurdity of the situation rather than being forced, and the heartfelt moments come from Min’s genuine struggles.
Among the star-studded cast, Han Gi-chan delivers a layered performance as Min, a character confronting his identity, familial obligations, and the unexpected consequences of his choices. Speaking at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival, Han shared insights into his portrayal of Min, his collaboration with Andrew Ahn, and the challenges of honouring a beloved classic while making it his own.
“When I look at Min, I see a childlike innocence,” Han explains. “Who doesn’t want to be seen that way? I share that trait with Min, which made me feel a strong connection to the character.” This bond allowed Han to shape Min into a figure who, despite the humour in his circumstances, remains genuinely human and emotionally rich.
Rather than simply replicating the original, Han and Ahn worked to ensure that Min’s journey reflected contemporary LGBTQIA+ experiences. “The Wedding Banquet carries deep emotions and social messages, which are characteristic of Ang Lee’s work,” Han says. “I felt it was important to honour the legacy of the original while bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective. Rather than just following the original character, I wanted to explore Min’s reality and emotions on a deeper level.”
Moving forward, I will continue to challenge myself and explore different sides of my acting rather than staying within a single image.
Ahn envisioned Min as someone “more humorous and pure,” a character who balances youthful sincerity with a desire for independence. “I approached Min with that in mind,” Han notes, “portraying him as someone with a pure soul, like a child who isn’t afraid to show his emotions in front of his friends. At the same time, I also wanted to reflect the evolving struggles and conflicts faced by the LGBTQIA+ community today, ensuring that Min’s love and family dynamics felt even more relatable.”
Family is a major theme in the film, influencing Min’s decisions and his personal growth. Han describes how Ahn’s direction helped him explore these relationships with depth. “Andrew has a very delicate way of portraying how characters evolve within relationships. So when I was playing Min, I focused not only on his emotional changes but also on how he grows through his relationships with his family, partner, and friends. Min’s choices sometimes led to unexpected consequences, but ultimately, he created a new understanding with his family, which I found very impactful.”
One particularly powerful moment for Han was the traditional Korean wedding scene. “Even though the marriage is fake, it ironically becomes a turning point where Min and his grandmother come to a deeper understanding of each other,” he shares. “That moment tied into the film’s central theme: the meaning of family. In the end, Min’s journey is not just about finding love but about creating a new family where he truly belongs.”
Working alongside established actors like Youn Yuh-jung and Joan Chen was an eye-opening experience for Han. “It was unbelievable to be in the same film with such incredible actors,” he says. “They give such attention to detail in their characters’ emotions in each scene. It was a masterclass. Thanks to my experience working with them, I was able to deliver a more mature performance in this film.”
The film’s tone shifts between sincere moments and comedy, a balance Han found through authenticity. “I didn’t try to separate the comedy from the drama; instead, I focused on playing each moment truthfully. The humour comes from the absurdity of the situation rather than being forced, and the heartfelt moments come from Min’s genuine struggles.”
I felt that Chris and Min’s relationship was a crucial part of the story from the moment I first read the script. Fortunately, Director Andrew thoughtfully gave Bowen and me time to connect before filming.
Central to the film is Min’s relationship with Chris, played by Bowen Yang. Han and Yang worked closely to develop their on-screen chemistry. “I felt that Chris and Min’s relationship was a crucial part of the story from the moment I first read the script. Fortunately, Director Andrew thoughtfully gave Bowen and me time to connect before filming. We imagined scenarios beyond what was in the script and discussed how Chris and Min’s first meeting might have been. Thanks to that process, I think their relationship was able to feel more natural on screen.”
As Han reflects on his career, he acknowledges the impact his past roles have had on his development as an actor. Having starred in the BL drama Where Your Eyes Linger and the period drama Dare to Love Me, he has explored a diverse range of characters. “Experiencing a variety of projects is incredibly important because it’s a process of expanding myself,” he says. “In Where Your Eyes Linger, I learned how to express delicate emotional nuances and worked on understanding a character’s inner world more deeply. In Dare To Love Me, I had the experience of building a character completely different from myself. By taking on roles in different genres and playing diverse characters, I’ve been able to expand my emotional range and develop a stronger ability to fully immerse myself in any role.”
With The Wedding Banquet, Han continues to push himself, embracing roles that challenge him while bringing meaningful stories to life. “Moving forward, I will continue to challenge myself and explore different sides of my acting rather than staying within a single image,” he says.
In Ahn’s reinterpretation of The Wedding Banquet, Min’s journey is one of self-acceptance and redefining family. Han Gi-chan’s compelling performance brings this story to life, honouring its traditional roots while making it relevant in a modern context.
Written and interviewed by Maggie Gogler
Featured image © BFI Flare 2025 / Millie Turner
The BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival will take place at BFI Southbank from 19th-30th March. Tickets are on sale now via bfi.org.uk/flare.
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