Party

Documentary filmmakers Francis Hsueh and Steven Hahn's Party takes what could have been a very limited niche subject (the Asian-American party scene in New York City) and creates a compelling study of assimilation and cultural identity issues. On the surface, this is a portrait of self-segregation, especially in the film's focus group: the Korean-Americans centered in the narrow West 32nd Street strip of New York's Koreatown. Some of the isolation can be attributed to cultural comfort levels (people prefer being among their own groups of varying types), but a great deal can be traced to perceptions of hostility against Asian-Americans by American society in general. This sense of being viewed as an outsider—even for those born and raised in America—still permeates much of Asian-American culture, whose members are the target of casual racism that would be unacceptable if aimed at others (a horrid comedy song inspired by the devastating Indonesian tsunami is cited). Ironically, the film's fault lies in its lack of diversity: the party scene itself is obviously centered on the well-educated and well-heeled; working-class Asian-Americans and new immigrants are neither seen nor heard. Regardless, Party provides a much-needed voice that airs long-overlooked issues, and is therefore recommended. (P. Hall)