Slanted View

2005: Year of the Rooster Review
by Nathaniel Jue

Gung Hay Fat Choy everyone. Looking back on the year that was, 2005 was a remarkable year for Asians throughout the world. There were quite a few breakthroughs in the entertainment industry. We made our marks in several high-profile forms of media, broadening our reach into American society, and permeating our way into the folds of the pop culture. It is with great pride that I shout out to a few Asian celebrities who found fame in 2005.

Cho Chang, Harry Potter's crush. Now, I'm not a big fan of the series, but I am fully aware of the attention garnered to Leung, the young Chinese Irishwoman who portrayed Cho Chang in the movie, Harry Potter. Her spotlight may not have been shone so brightly outside of the Asian community, but her character's importance was greatly illuminated. An Asian character in such a highly profiled film and book as Harry Potter made for great recognition and a wonderful breakthrough for this youngster. Yes, her Asian character was a part of the book so it wasn't altogether surprising to see them cast an Asian actress. But as we all know, a script character doesn't always equate onscreen. So for Leung to be the lead love in this internationally-reputed film was a brilliant success. That she was a good actress was also a major score. Look forward to her future works with this Harry Potter catapult.

Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy. Following her original breakthrough in the critically-acclaimed movie, Sideways, Sandra made an easy and superb weekly transition to the small screen, joining a talented ensemble on the set of the latest and greatest medical drama. Oh, how Sandra has captivated audiences with her impressive portrayals of tenacious, independent Asian women. With her mounting Golden Globe nominations and wins, and continuous raves from audiences, this Korean Canadian actress has quickly made an international name for herself. And as she continues to dazzle with her roles as strong-minded Asian women, Sandra's star will continue to shine as the next great actress in Hollywood.

ABC's Lost. ABC has become the AZN network of basic primetime television, with the success of the aforementioned Grey's Anatomy, and the addictively popular show, Lost. These two series have Asian cast members who are part of the weekly drama of American television. Lost actors, Daniel Dae Kim and Yunjin Kim have indeed found their fame on this secluded island. With the tremendous success of Lost, Yunjin & Daniel have been catapulted into the mainstream of pop culture. Here's hoping their careers do not get stranded in the near future.

Ang Lee, director, Brokeback Mountain. Though he had already established himself as a credible international filmmaker, directing Chinese masterpieces such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and House of the Flying Daggers, Lee himself broke the American mold and created a masterpiece with his direction of the film about breaking stereotypes. While it wasn't Lee's first American-produced movie, it was his first Golden Globe award for his work. And that he received this award for an American film validates the recognition of Far East directors and their work out in the Old West.

However, the most indelible and dominating Asian breakthrough in 2005 was the weekly tabloid appearance of Maddox, Angelina Jolie's adopted Cambodian son. As her hyperbolic mother and her stolen beau, Brad Pitt, rampantly intruded upon our lives with their own, Maddox was always there in toe, gracing magazine covers and pages from US Weekly to People and USA Today. The dynamic duo were always traipsing across the airwaves, imbedded in shows like Entertainment Tonight, Extra, Vh1 and everything on the E! channel. Meanwhile, tugging at their sleeves was Maddox, the mohawked five-year old toddler, who became the latest and greatest accessory to the hottest love pyramid in Hollywood. No matter who was the "lead story" of the week, a mug shot of Maddox, be it in Brad's lap, or on a scooter, or in Angelina's arms. Maddox was the latest "it" kid.

While being the Waldo of the paparazzi's photo extravaganza last year, Maddox, unbeknownst of his mother's maniacal love life, became a trendsetter for toddlers and kids alike. With his hip hair and the fashion style of a man six times his age, Maddox was the style guide for the next generation. It helps that his stylist is his mother is one of the most fashionable and beautiful wonders of the world. She lavishes him in designer clothing and modish attire.

But he surely wouldn't have the one-name recognition à la Cher and Madonna if it weren't for his mother and would-be stepfather's outrageous public displays of attention. For as long as the general population was enamored with Brangelina, Maddox would grab side spotlight, ultimately becoming the most famous Asian person in the Western Hemisphere. As excruciatingly drawn-out as their affair was, the best thing to come out of their hyped coupling was the outbreak of a very fortunate Cambodian adoptee.

That's why 2005, while marking the career-defining year for many Asian entertainers worldwide, will go down as the Year of the Maddox.

Nathaniel Jue has been writing ever since he won first place in his fourth grade essay contest. However, he has been ranting for the past 26 years.