Sofia Luvará's documentary focuses on a curious aspect of LGBT life in China: the matter-of-fact manner in which gays and lesbians enter into marriages of convenience in order to pacify their traditionalist parents. Filmed in Shanghai, Inside the Chinese Closet details separate efforts by two individuals to be open about their sexual orientation without disrupting relations with their parents. Andy's father is displeased with his son's homosexuality and becomes increasingly impatient that he has not yet married. This drives Andy to frequent a “fake marriage fair” that is designed to create marriages in name only for LGBT Chinese who are eager to give the impression of being in a heterosexual union. Cherry's problem is a bit trickier: her rural parents are also unhappy with her homosexuality, but her marriage of convenience is ending in divorce. Cherry agrees to adopt a baby in an effort to placate her parents' desire to keep their family line alive for another generation. Inside the Chinese Closet offers an interesting look at how LGBT individuals in China function within a society that is still not ready to offer them unconditional acceptance. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
Inside the Chinese Closet
(2015) 70 min. In Chinese w/English subtitles. DVD: $300. DRA. Film Platform (avail. from www.filmplatform.net). PPR. Volume 31, Issue 6
Inside the Chinese Closet
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