2006, USA
Comedy, Drama, Romance
The mistaken identity subgenre gets a fresh coat of paint with the charming Cinderella snafu story, Falling for Grace. Asian American actress Fay Ann Lee was relegated to bit parts and shooed away from lead roles which requested cookie cutter starlets, so she created a film with a better fit. She wrote, directed, starred in and produced the romantic comedy, and successfully created an indie film that does not feel amateurish.
Grace Tang (Lee) is a thriving investment banker who has escaped New York's Chinatown and is trying to work her way up the city's elite social ladder. When mistaken for a Hong Kong clothing heiress, she fails to correct those who could get her foot in all the right doors. When this leads her to Andrew Barrington, Jr. (Gale Harold of "Queer as Folk") -- son of a soulless Wall Street tycoon but whose apple has fallen far from the tree -- Grace finds herself sinking into deeper quicksand.
The film remains endearing because the situation is believable and the characters are likable. Lee effectively pulls off pratfalls without causing occasions to become squeamishly absurd. Her character continues to care for her parents without grasping for a martyr role, and the nonromantic portion of the story focuses on Chinatown sweatshops without feeling preachy.
The story comes full circle with the Gatsby Ball, referencing an unchecked decadent class with little regard for morals. It is not so heavy handed as might be implied, though Andrew is repeatedly informed of his obligation to marry his well-to-do girlfriend. His family and friends are obnoxious, making it far easier to sympathize with Grace's goofy but thoughtful side of the tracks, yet Andrew stays grounded if not idealistic.
Falling for Grace is sweet without being treacly, and Lee accomplishes her goal for creating a mainstream romcom that employs Chinese American actors and never feels exclusive. Distributors, take note.