As a lover of all things movies, I always look for all facets of the cinematic spectrum. Documentaries are definitely a phenomenal way to explore the limitless possibilities of reaching all sources of humanity. However, we don’t always get life from all sides.
Buy Arthur Dong Collection Blu-rayFortunately, we have dedicated individuals like award-winning filmmaker Arthur Dong to help bring the most marginalized of communities to the forefront. Thanks to Kino Lorber’s new 3-disc collection, Arthur Dong Collection, his work should finally be acknowledged for what it aspires to do. The main eight films included explore the Asian American and LGBTQ experience, which is often overlooked but incredibly vital.
Disc One: Asian American Stories
Sewing Woman (1982): Oscar-nominated documentary short chronicling the life of Dong’s mother, Zem Ping, as she struggles to survive. Despite its limited running time, you get how much courage Dong inherited from his mother, since she obviously did everything she could to fight for their future.
Forbidden City, USA (1989): An entertaining short feature capturing the all-Chinese nightclub in San Francisco, Forbidden City. It is a revealing look at a bygone era of Hollywood entertainment from those who lived it.
Hollywood Chinese (2007): A beguiling look at a forgotten chapter of cinema history: the Chinese in American feature films. So many great actors, including Nancy Kwan, recount their struggles and triumphs while trying to cement their place in pop culture.
The Killing Fields of Haing S. Ngor (2015): A heartbreaking document of the incredible ambassador and Oscar-winning actor who became one of the most well-known survivors of the Cambodian genocide. This one is guaranteed to make you cry and angry at the same time but also admire of how brave Ngor really was.
Disc Two: LGBTQ Stories
Coming Out Under Fire (1994): An essential look at gay and lesbian veterans recounting their struggles to be accepted into the military during wartime in the 1940s. It’s an essential look at the egregious punishments that LGBTQs faced during their stint, including loss of veterans’ benefits and immediate expulsion.
Out Rage ’69 (1995): The searing first installment of the PBS series The Question of Equality where participants in the 1969 Stonewall riots talk about events leading up to the now famous rebellion. Watching this made me really appreciate those who came before us during a time where you just couldn’t live your truth.
Licensed to Kill (1997): A disturbing account featuring testimonials from prisoners who committed heinous crimes against homosexuals. Beware of some of the heartless things that the prisoners say, with footage from crime scenes that are guaranteed to make your skin crawl.
Family Fundamentals (2002): Sobering look at several conservative and religious parents who try to come to terms with their gay and lesbian children. I found this the saddest one because it suggests religion will always be made to condemn people for just being who they are.
The third disc contains short films (Public, Living Music for Golden Mountains, Dance of the Lion, Lotus, and Claiming a Voice: The Visual Communications Story); a conversation with Dong and film professor/TCM host Jacqueline Stewart; a conversation with Dong and professor/editor Oliver Wang; additional interviews/scenes; outtakes; and trailers. There’s also a booklet with a great new essay by film critic Alfonso Duralde, and Arthur Dong filmography gallery.
In closing, I am so glad to get own a copy of this wonderful and much-needed collection of films that helped open my eyes to filmmaking that should be taken seriously, with a wonderful and courageous documentarian leading the way. Once you get your copy, you may also feel the same way.
