The story centers on (Michelle Krusiec), a successful surgeon in Flushing, Queens, who navigates a double life: a professional, "dutiful daughter" by day and a closeted lesbian by night. Her world is upended when her widowed mother, Hwei-Lan (Joan Chen), is banished from her own home after becoming pregnant out of wedlock at 48.
A worthwhile upgrade for picture quality alone, but a missed opportunity for supplemental content.
: Audio commentary and deleted scenes with optional insights from Wu herself. Exclusive Essay saving face blu ray
Have you found a copy of the Saving Face Blu Ray in the wild? Do you know of any whispers regarding a Region A release? Let us know in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this article, share it with a friend who still thinks "the lesbian movie with the mom" is impossible to find in HD.
Alice Wu’s Saving Face (2004) is a seminal work in Asian American and queer cinema, and its 2025 induction into the marks a significant cultural milestone. The film masterfully balances the conventions of a romantic comedy with a deep, character-driven exploration of "mianzi" (face)—the Chinese cultural concept of preserving family honor and avoiding public shame. Narrative Conflict and Cultural Complexity The story centers on (Michelle Krusiec), a successful
It is a film about shame, secrets, and the literal act of saving face. Unlike many tragic queer narratives of the era, Saving Face offers a hopeful, hilariously witty, and deeply romantic conclusion. It is a time capsule of 2004 New York, a masterclass in understated acting, and a cultural touchstone for Asian-American lesbians worldwide.
: A program featuring the cast at the 2005 Sundance Film Festival. Director Commentary : Audio commentary and deleted scenes with optional
Here is the critical update for anyone searching for the as of this year: