She got a sweetheart yet?
No time to date. The hospital keeps her too busy
She was always first in her class. Not like my lazy Raymond
He never opens a book, only his wallet
At 29, he's already VP of his company. What are you complaining about?
Yeah, money seems to cling to him, but what's the use?
He's only 5'8"
Let me tell you…
…every Friday, Wilhelmina comes home for the dance
Good. See you there tonight
Be discrete. Nothing kills romance faster than a mother's approval
Have faith, I know what to do
And make sure his hands are clean. It’s flu season
I’ll wash them myself if I have to
You're late again
- All the crab is gone. - This party's a bust. Let's go to KFC
Cheeky girl
So thin. You'll catch your death
I see men's clothes are still in style
Let me button that for you. People are going to think….
Wil, I love your outfit!
Don't you think it's too boyish?
Nonsense
I had a pair just like those during the Revolution
Sturdy and practical. Just the thing for war
Your high heels on the other hand….
Those things will kill you
It’ll be a miracle if you don't trip and die
I’m going to get some squid
Hey, Grandma
Good to see you, Old Yu
Let me say a few words
As the lazy toads of summer give way…
…to the crackling of autumn leaves…
…one's mind naturally turns toward the demise of our children's education
I give thanks to the woman who has suffered alongside me
- I toast you. - Okay, no more suffering. Let's eat
Look at those two
Don't their faces reflect good marriage chi?
Depends on whose marriage
Hey, Albert! Don't eat too much of that cabbage
It gives you gas!
Your Raymond is such a gentleman
Anyone looks good on his arm
Another great party
My husband and I fought all the way over here
But I’m having a great time. Is there more wine?
They say her ex-husband has a new wife 20 years younger than her
Serves her right. He made good money
What's to be unhappy about?
Marry a rooster, follow the rooster. Marry a dog, follow the dog
Why be like those Americans, divorcing all the time?
She'll never marry again. Women never do
She's certainly not meeting anyone here
Still…
…must be lonely at these parties without a man
What do you think those morons talk about anyway?
The usual ball scratching
They say he's got a new wife on the Upper East Side
I heard she's 20 years younger
My back hurts just thinking about it
I plan to be married soon myself
Anyone in mind?
Good luck. You'll have to get past her father first
Just plain friends
Forget meat on the grill, and it will dry out
- Right. So my ma says. - Does she?
She's quite a woman
Ever since your father passed away, she's been so delicate
These 20-odd years you've been all she has
Wilhelmina!
Yeah. She's delicate
I’m not feeling so well. Take me home
It’s those heels, I tell you!
Thanks, Little Yu
Home to see your grandparents?
I have station duty Friday nights
From my father
He still telling fortunes?
As long as there are anxious wives and mothers, he'll be in business
Your mother asked him to give you some herbs…
…to improve your fortitude for marriage
Give it a try. Those herbs are good for your heart anyway
Professor, your chi is so potent…
…you've managed to hold the court once again
No fortunes to tell this morning, Old Yu?
Most people don't want to hear the truth until after lunch
Fate is for the lazy
Too true, too true
But I won't lie, my only morning customer…
…was your only daughter
Her?
What does she have to worry about?
She lives safely at home with us
Her daughter's a doctor
- What more could she want? - Indeed
But her health may be a bit bumpy this year
Ridiculous. She's only 48
Could be menopause
Menopause?
Nonsense
Only Americans freak out about menopause
Thank God you're here! I’ve been waiting for hours
This is a crummy neighborhood
Take this
Do I look sick to you?
Pick up that bag
Don't be ridiculous. She'll outlive us all
Do I look like I’m crying?
You're just going to let me freeze to death here?
Tell me what happened
All right. I’m calling Grandma
Is that how you speak to your ma who worked nights so you could eat?
Who stayed in labor without painkillers…
…so you wouldn't turn dim-witted like your cousin Jimmy?
Had I known you would grow so ungrateful…
…I would have held you in
Has she eaten?
What is she doing here?
She'll need better nutrition now
She's not that old
Wait, I can't hear. Ma
Can you pipe down?
It’s good for her to stay with you. You're a doctor
You can help her…
…maybe get free drugs from the hospital
- Okay. - You'll pick up her things tomorrow
- I’ll bring her back tomorrow. - I'll prepare herbs from Old Yu
They'll help her with the baby
- Pregnant! - At her age!
- It’s a scandal! - A disgrace!
- It’s better than the soaps! - More drama!
- More intrigue! - More eel!
Don't eat so much eel! It gives you gas
Who's the father?
Who is the father?
- Father. - Don't call me Father!
You are the biggest disgrace, the ultimate shame
What kind of example are you for your daughter?
- You're not pregnant too are you? - Me? No. No
No daughter has shamed her parents more than you
What have we done to deserve this?
Do you have any idea who the father is?
Can't bring it up
She just cries and goes on about how ungrateful I am
How did you find out she was…?
The receptionist at the Manhattan clinic…
…is married to one of Grandpa's former students
He's going to banish her from Flushing. Where will she go?
He can't do this to her. She belongs here
Who is the father?
You won't tell us? Fine
Take all the ones with your mother in them
She is no longer a part of this family
Father. Don't be like this
When I think of all we've sacrificed in the old country…
…to give you kids a better life in the new one
Had I known, I would have left you behind in the mainland
Father, please don't feel shamed
How can I not feel shame?
My own rotten flesh has gotten pregnant without a husband
You don't think people will laugh at me?
The professor speaks big words…
…but can't control his own daughter?
Old man, this situation won't improve with yelling
She wasn't even going to tell us
She can throw her own reputation away, but it still comes back to me
Still crying?
Get out of this house
Don't come back until you have a husband to match the child
Look how cheerful this red is. We'll put some up here…
…there and there!
That black is just depressing
You have no oyster sauce
I don't use oyster sauce
Since when do you drink beer?
You shouldn't keep this stuff unless you plan to use it
Do you plan to keep the…?
What kind of vegetable is this?
I see you just let my face masks waste away
- What's this? - Herbs from Old Yu
Every week, he has his son Little Yu give them to me…
…to improve my marriage chi or something
Don't be rude, just hiding them here
I want to have a look
The big one is for your mother. Morning sickness
You're home
Turn up the TV
It’s just getting to the good part
She's dumping him
Smells great, right? Stinky tofu
No, that's just a special treat
We have chicken, sweet pea stalks, and fish with bean sauce
Is he coming?
Safer this way. Throw it out afterwards
I’ll give him two
His shoes! His shoes!
You remember my neighbor, Jay
His shoes!
Your neighbor is loud and dark and eats too much soy sauce
Americans like soy sauce
I’m going to start eating less soy sauce…
…so it won't stain the baby too dark
You eat less too, so you don't grow spots
Too late for him anyway
Excuse me. Do you have Chinese movies?
Have you eaten?
How long have you been pregnant?
A couple of months
Married?
Once
Children are a blessing just the same
Number 48
- We need to see the patient alone. - I’ll be right here
Don't forget. I invited the mahjong ladies over tonight
So don't bring any of your friends over
You should get home in time to say hello to them
You haven't seen them in so long
You missed the mahjong party
I’m not going on a date
Too puffy, better up. But I’m not going
What's wrong with it?
Chinese people cannot wear yellow
How about this one? It’s sexy
No one wants to see a 50-year-old Chinese woman look sexy
Ma, you're only 48
Connie Chung's sexy, and she must be nearly 60
Her show was cancelled
- Is it a white guy? - No
An ugly old white guy
No. He's Chinese
He's nice, very healthy
Pretty healthy
I’m not going
I’m really not going
Then you go
I don't have enough time
Tell him I’m sick
Lost my voice
What am I going to talk about anyway?
Forty-eight and going on a date
It’s okay
We have enough time
Look. This dress isn't bad
We'll just take your hair down
What?
What are you looking at?
Do I tell him about the baby?
So, Mr. Fu, what is your line of work?
I’m in import-export
- Good business? - Not bad, not bad
Made enough last month to go on a singles cruise to Fiji
Not that I went
- You're an only daughter? - Yes
I always wish I had kids
No kids? Do you want any?
No, it's not necessary. I’m too old now
Besides, I’m fixed down there
Hello, my name is Fu Cheng Wen
Gao Hwei Lan
Can we go now?
- What time are you getting back? - Before midnight
You're a doctor?
I’ve got a wart on my left calf. It’s driving me nuts
Can you tell me if it's cancer?
My last wife made me take lessons
The whole year, she would scream：
Fung Ling restaurant
Huge she-crab. So much egg
I think I’m too old to have a child
If these are my dating options…
…I am definitely too old
There's not much left on this tape
Why are you in street clothes?
I can't believe you came from my womb
No. He's marrying her for money
No
That's his brother
He's the most evil of them all
He wants to ruin her family to avenge a grudge
That's the good guy
I have found her a husband
She will marry Cho. To the right
I don't think Ma likes him
What's not to like? Back left
He's kind of intense
Who cares?
He's a good man who will take care of your mother…
…and give both her and that child a decent name
Where can you find a man like that?
You will help her see this
I don't think she sees anything she doesn't want to
She shouldn't be alone
Don't listen to him
Another misunderstanding. Now they'll never get together
He didn't really. He was drunk
She'd be lonely
Are you lonely?
No, I have you
Why?
It’s too late for me
- What about a father for your child? - I raised you single-handedly
You turned out all right
I just think you should give that Cho a chance
Then you wouldn't be alone…
…and it would make Grandpa happy
Enough soap opera for today
I’m going to be a terrible mother
I don't even like babies
Stephen's always bringing his kid to the shop
All that drooling. Gross
You were different
You sprung from the womb already grown-up
And I had your father during your early years
He was really patient
You have me
Fish is good, Auntie
What do you do?
Vivian's a dancer
A go-go dancer?
I dance with the New York City Ballet
Oh, ballet
But now I’m…
…taking a break to dance modern
She's very, very good
Not ballet
So is the baby good?
She works too hard
I hardly get to see her
So do you have a boyfriend?
No
Pretty girl like you must have lots of boys ask you out
Wil’s black neighbor is single…
…always around
You interested?
- You don't like black people? - Sure, I like--
- She doesn't like black people. - Yes, she does
- Then why won't she date them? - Let's just eat
I just want to make sure my baby gets home safe
Hey, Little Yu. Isn't my daughter beautiful?
She is indeed
- Say thank you. - Thank you
Thank your father. I’ll be calling him tonight
Little Yu's got a solid job and good benefits
- Great crab, isn't it? - Smells delicious
There's an old tradition in Shanghai
They pick their son-in-law based on his skill at extracting his crab meat
What am I saying?
You can't have crab because of the--
Your child would be my child
I would make sure you have anything you want for the rest of your life
I just want you to be happy
There are many women who would be happy with you
Wouldn't you rather have someone younger?
Younger people. Today they love you. Tomorrow, who knows?
It’s better to stick with someone who can really understand you
Besides…
…I’ve liked you for over 15 years
I had a lovely time
You look lovely in this light
Wonder how the gang is doing over at the salon
Carrying one child and sending the other out to do her dirty work
She never could take care of herself
Who could the father be?
Do you think the father…
…is someone in our circle?
No way. Fred is too respectful
Len is too scared
Too lazy
Too busy losing money
Thank God
Good to know we're safe
Hello, Wilhelmina. How is that mother of yours?
Didn't you see her the other day at her mahjong party?
Oh, no. I was busy. I wasn't able to make it
Me too. Everyone's so busy these days
I heard no one went
What?
He's a nice man
I just told you. I like him fine
Mr. Cho took you to the hospital?
He's a good man
Don't worry, Professor Gao. Your wife's okay
My daughter
What were you all so worried about?
Haven't I been healthy all these years?
This is nothing compared to war
Don't excite yourself
That's right, Mrs. Gao. Just relax
You relax. Preferably elsewhere. I want to speak to my granddaughter
I’ll be back later
Me too
Thank God they're gone
Like I’m so bored I have to listen to his asinine pandering!
How's your mother?
She's doing well
You're talking to me
She's totally depressed and humiliated
Don't tell her about this
How can I not?
She has enough on her mind
Your grandfather forbids her to come anyway
It’ll just make her feel bad
I’ll be out soon
Promise you won't tell her until I’m back home
Grandma….
Promise me
You're just in time
She's watching his plane take off for the States
Stupid girl, he's so obviously right for you
We need to talk
There's not much left on this tape
I don't think this can wait
I love you
And I’m gay
How can you say those two things at once?
How can you tell me you love me…
…then throw that in my face?
I am not a bad mother
My daughter is not gay
Then maybe I shouldn't be your daughter
My dad said this is for the bride
"Hwei Lan…
…you keep refusing to see me
By the time you read this…
…you may already be Cho's bride
You've said this is the way fate would have it…
…but if it is your fate to do your father's bidding…
…then it is my fate to try…
…and undo yours
Yes, people would talk about the age difference…."
It's Old Yu!
I may not be what you pictured as your future
But I know now that I am the one destined for you
I love you
I know you love me
Shouldn't this be simple?
Twenty-nine years ago…
…you married a man you didn't love to be the perfect daughter…
…and now you're doing it again, all for your father's honor
Wait!
Wait a moment!
What's going on?
I read the letter. I know
Wil, quiet! You're causing a scene!
You know what? What letter?
Don't marry him!
Marry the one you love
Wait a minute
You don't love me?
Of course she loves you!
Say it! You love him!
No!
No, she doesn't
She loves him!
This is a mistake! It’s not me! It’s not me!
- Yes, it is! - No, it's not!
Wilhelmina!
It’s me
Are you insane?
- That woman's karma kills husbands! - Pa, I love her!
I told you to marry the Hong Kong movie star!
At least she doesn't have kids!
- If you want a divorce, just say so! - You want it!
- Idiot, I love you! - Dog fart! I love you!
I am indebted to you…
…but I don't love you
I am so sorry
I can't
You have thrown away a lifetime of my reputation!
Father, please
Fantastic! I’ll move back in with you
We'll need a bigger bed, so the baby can sleep with me
Later, we'll block off the living room for her crib and--
We really should repaint. Rose beige would be nice
It would warm the place up nicely!
He's young
Handsome
He could have anyone
Today he loves me
Tomorrow, who knows?
I guess I needed him to declare it. Not just to me, but to everyone
Besides, I’d never dated before
I may as well see what's out there
You know…
…that Vivian…
…she seems nice
You like her, don't you?
Stop the bus!
You're late as usual
Wil, it's been so long
Busy lately? Try some of this jerky
Yeah, it's been a busy spring
Well, a full belly conquers all
So now will you let me move in?
No way!
This is the first time I’ve ever had my own place
You're gonna cramp my style
The world is getting too hard to predict
It just keeps getting worse
Revolting!
Let's go
One more bite
Stop patting that side. The baby will turn out lopsided
Don't be silly
Well said!
The moment that girl is born, I’m coming over every day
God knows how she'll turn out if she's brought up by you two
Nice shirt, Vivian
Now why can't you wear something pleasant like that?
So there's only one thing left
When are you going to have a baby?