Justin H. Min and the Vital Importance of Flawed Asian Characters
Deviating from the superheroic norm of comic-based films, ‘Shortcomings’ presents an intriguing look at Asian-American representation. It’s a universe where iconic comic tropes are replaced with diners, independent movie theaters, and candid conversations about representation post the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ eras. ‘Umbrella Academy’s Justin H. Min, portraying a character in this intimate world, knows how distinct this project is.
Premiering on August 4, ‘Shortcomings’, an adaptation of Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel, abandons caped crusaders for character-focused drama. Tomine, a seasoned contributor to The New Yorker, spins a narrative that speaks directly to the Asian American experience. Making his directorial debut, Randall Park of ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ and ‘Always Be My Maybe’ fame, helms this project.
Contrasting with his past roles like the near-flawless church attendee in Netflix’s ‘Beef’ and a robotic companion in ‘After Yang’, Min’s role in ‘Shortcomings’ provides a refreshing perspective — every ethnicity has the capacity to err.
“Shoddy Asian representation is a need and I’m elated our movie is heading there,” says Min. The film subtly criticizes a renowned rom-com which has become an Asian representation milestone, all the while maintaining its humorous spirit. “We’re just as fractured, as imperfect, and as contradictory as anyone else,” Min adds, dismantling the model minority myth one flaming Cheeto at a time.
As he ponders over the recent wave of Asian representation in Hollywood, Min touches on the pressure of maintaining the model minority myth. “In numerous ways, we’re disintegrating more than those around us who aren’t Asian. This movie encapsulates that because it resonates with my community and myself. Many of my Asian friends didn’t ace their SATs.”
The authenticity flows seamlessly in ‘Shortcomings’ through the character Ben’s interactions with his girlfriend, Miko (Ally Maki), and his friend Alice (Sherry Cola). The movie addresses Ben’s relationships with characters played by Tavi Gevinson and Debby Ryan, weaving an intricate portrayal of the Asian American experience.
While joking about his own “bummer” demeanor, Min appreciates the comfort and freedom of working with an Asian co-stars and crew members, “You don’t feel pressured to be anything other than yourself when you’re around your community.”
However, Min acknowledges that although strides have been made in representation, there is still a scarcity mindset prevalent. “We’ve got to judge pieces based on their own merit. Certain pieces resonate with certain people and not with others. Yet, when it came to Asian American representation, we were expected to unanimously deem it as ‘incredible.’”
As he wraps up his journey on Netflix’s ‘Umbrella Academy’ and gears up for upcoming projects like the sci-fi rom-com ‘Turn Me On’ and the dramedy ‘The Greatest Hits’, Min acknowledges the path to a lead role in a movie isn’t always linear. Yet, as he steps into this new chapter, he stresses the importance of audience members having the autonomy to form their own opinions.
“I think people finally have permission to say, ‘I didn’t really enjoy Everything Everywhere All At Once’ because there’s so much more out there,” Min points out. “Of course, there’s always more progress to be made.”
