Better Luck Tomorrow Analysis

I believe that Justin Lin successfully subverts dualistic stereotypes of Asian American teens as model minorities vs. gangstas. In the beginning of the movie, Better Luck Tomorrow, Ben is shown as a typical stereotyped Asian American teenager who is an overachiever and academically do well. His friends, Virgil and the senior valedictorian, Daric are outstanding intelligent Asian American high schoolers as well. They are the perfect example of “model minority”. However, as the movie goes on, Justin Lin subverts the overachiever and perfectionist stereotype of Asian American teens; Ben, Virgil, Daric, and Han shows their dark sides, becoming “gangstas” and engaging in crimes. This film shows both sides, model minorities and gangstas, of Asian