The Wedding Banquet

Min is tired of a relationship that keeps stalling and a clock that won’t wait. Her plan is bold but practical: she would marry their friend Angela to secure a green card, hoping Lee’s IVF dreams can finally become real without draining everyone. Angela would gain stability for her own future with Lee, while Min hopes that the legal bond will free her from the pressure of a commitment she fears she can’t meet. The arrangement promises a clean break from old patterns and a chance at something honest, yet it quickly collides with family and tradition. When Min’s grandmother declares that a grand Korean wedding banquet must happen, the private scheme collides with a public celebration, shifting every expectation.

Directed by Andrew Ahn, the project comes from a collaboration between James Schamus, Neil Peng and Ang Lee. The film highlights cultural perspectives and romance, aiming for a tonal mix of humor, warmth and family driven drama with nuance today.

Box office revenue stands at 2,074,545 dollars worldwide, reflecting a modest commercial footprint. Produced on a five million dollar budget, the film found a niche audience through festival screenings and a limited theatrical rollout rather than a wide release initially.

As a 2025 release with a diverse cast and a story rooted in immigrant family dynamics, the film began sparking conversations about chosen families and the pressures of tradition. Its ensemble performances create memorable moments that resonated with audiences seeking heartfelt humor and authentic depictions that capture resilience and warmth.

Critics noted a deft blend of comedy and drama, with strong performances from Bowen Yang, Lily Gladstone and Kelly Marie Tran. The film centers on commitment and belonging, balancing family obligation with personal choice, and it uses humor to soften the emotional stakes without avoiding honesty and invites conversations afterward.