A lot has changed in the 16 years since Randall Park first discovered Adrian Tomine's cult classic graphic novel "Shortcomings." Back then, as Park recalled in a recent "Salon Talks" conversation, the Japanese American artist was told that his story of youth, love and friendship "wasn't castable." But Park explained, "Eventually, the industry started to change and open up," ushering in breakthrough hits like "Crazy Rich Asians," "Minari" and Park's own long running sitcom "Fresh Off the Boat."
Now, featuring a stellar cast led by Justin H. Min and Sherry Cola, "Shortcomings" marks Park's directorial debut. It's an intimate, quietly affecting film that recognizes that, as Park says, "Hanging out in a diner, eating a sandwich with your friend, talking about your feelings is just as authentic an Asian American story as making dumplings with your grandma."
