Tui shou (Pushing Hands) (1992)

77% of users liked it
(473 ratings)

Acclaimed Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee made his directorial debut with this drama, leavened with gentle comedy, about a household turned upside down by a man who could not be much more out of place. Mr. Chu (Sihung Lung) is an elderly gentleman who has devoted much of his life to studying and… More Acclaimed Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee made his directorial debut with this drama, leavened with gentle comedy, about a household turned upside down by a man who could not be much more out of place. Mr. Chu (Sihung Lung) is an elderly gentleman who has devoted much of his life to studying and teaching tai chi; growing old and wanting to be closer to his family, he decides to move in with his son. However, Mr. Chu has lived all his life in Beijing, and his son Alex (Bo Z. Wang) lives in New York City. Chu arrives at Alex's doorstep not knowing a single word of English, and he soon finds himself out of sorts in the home of his very Americanized son. Alex's wife Martha (Deb Snyder) is a writer who is dealing with the stress of publishing her first novel, in addition to watching over her six-year-old son. Mr. Chu is very much at odds with American customs and technology, and he even gets lost when he tries to take a walk; Martha soon feels as if she's watching over two children rather than one, while Mr. Chu resents his loss of dignity and independence. Eventually, he tries to strike out on his own and get a job, but the harder he tries to feel at home in New York, the more alien he seems. Ang Lee and Sihung Lung would team up again on Lee's next two films, The Wedding Banquet and Eat Drink Man Woman. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Ang Lee
Written By: Ang Lee, James Schamus
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: Jun 2, 1995 Wide
On DVD: Jan 23, 1996

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Ang Lee's feature debut explores cross-cultural and generational conflicts, issues that would become the backbone of his work. This is the first in what can be described as Father Knows Best trilogy, tales about a parent confronting a changing world.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Depicts the difficulties a tai chi master has in adapting to the consumer culture of America.

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lesley N

Early Ang Lee drama about the problems of cross-cultural family expectations and responsibilities wth a Chinese father coming over to live with his son and reluctant American daugher in law. Dated but interesting. <img… More
Early Ang Lee drama about the problems of cross-cultural family expectations and responsibilities wth a Chinese father coming over to live with his son and reluctant American daugher in law. Dated but interesting. <img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/90/211401503_c4c3ff0c41_m.jpg">
Sylvester K

Absolutely powerful film, using 3 different perspectives to look at a family of mixed race. The storyline is about immigration and culture recognition, it's darkly humorous and yet tragic. The actors didn't have any acting experience which made the film even more natural and… More
Absolutely powerful film, using 3 different perspectives to look at a family of mixed race. The storyline is about immigration and culture recognition, it's darkly humorous and yet tragic. The actors didn't have any acting experience which made the film even more natural and realistic.
Leo L

Interesting! Great story plot.
Jojo S

Ang Lee's rarely known martial art film. Sihung Lung (Eat, Drink, Men, Women) acted as a tai-chi master working quietly in Chinese restaurant until he finally was forced to use his tai-chi. Unable to speak English yet always understand the heart of men. Several culture clash… More
Ang Lee's rarely known martial art film. Sihung Lung (Eat, Drink, Men, Women) acted as a tai-chi master working quietly in Chinese restaurant until he finally was forced to use his tai-chi. Unable to speak English yet always understand the heart of men. Several culture clash created some comical moments that's true in its own sense. The ending was shocking and touching at the same time.

Cast

Sihung Lung
as Mr. Chu
Pamela Yang
as Yi Yi
Bo Z. Wang
as Alex

See full cast

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Tui shou (Pushing Hands) (1992)

Critic Reviews

Featured Audience Ratings

Lesley N

Sylvester K

Leo L

Jojo S

Cast

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