Finishing the Game

Finishing the Game is a comedy based on a fictionalized account of the search for a Bruce Lee replacement for the unfinished 1973 film, Game of Death. The movie is set in the 1970s, after the death of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. The movie revolves around the casting of Lee's replacement and the ensuing chaos that takes place in the process.

The movie starts with a title card that explains how Bruce Lee passed away before completing his final movie, Game of Death. The production company behind Game of Death is eager to finish the movie and decides to hold an open casting call for a replacement for Bruce Lee.

The characters in the movie are diverse and quirky, each with their own agenda. Breeze Loo (Roger Fan) is a young man who dreams of becoming a movie star, and sees the casting call as an opportunity to break into the industry. Troy Poon (Dustin Nguyen) is a veteran actor who is frustrated with being typecast in stereotypical Asian roles, and hopes to snag the lead role in Game of Death as a way to prove his range as an actor. Cole Kim (Sung Kang) is a cocky and self-assured martial artist who believes he is the only one who can fill Bruce Lee's shoes.

The movie is filled with wacky auditions, each more ridiculous than the last. There is a dancer who performs martial arts moves while wearing a tutu, a man who tries to demonstrate his skills by breaking a brick with his head, and a man who believes he can control his body heat and creates a cloud of steam.

As the auditions progress, the competition heats up, and tensions among the actors begin to rise. The casting directors, who are all white, add to the hilarity by bungling the process and making inappropriate comments. They are clearly clueless about martial arts and Asian culture, which leads to some absurd outcomes.

The movie also explores the issue of Asian representation in popular culture. The characters all have different opinions on how Asians should be represented in film and television, and there is ongoing tension between those who want to break through stereotypes and those who feel that the stereotypes are all they have.

Finishing the Game is a comedy, but it also has moments of poignancy. The characters all have their own struggles and dreams, and the movie explores these in-depth, allowing the audience to get to know the characters beyond their outrageous auditions.

The movie is also visually stunning, with colorful and playful cinematography that adds to the comedy. The costumes and set design are quintessentially 70s, adding to the movie's nostalgic feel.

Overall, Finishing the Game is a hilarious and heartfelt journey through the world of movie casting. While it may not be entirely historically accurate, the movie captures the essence of the time and the issues surrounding Asian representation in film. The movie is a must-watch for fans of comedy and martial arts, and anyone who wants to see a group of talented actors deliver a memorable and entertaining performance.