#int Chinatown

[watchnrant]

Interior Chinatown: A Sharp Satire That Challenges Stereotypes and Forces Self-Reflection

Interior Chinatown is a brilliant yet understated reflection of the world—a mirror that exposes how society often judges people by their covers. The show captures this poignantly with the scene where Willis Wu can’t get into the police precinct until he proves his worth by delivering food. It’s a powerful metaphor: sometimes, if you don’t fit the mold, you have to prove your value in the most degrading or unexpected ways just to get a foot in the door. The locked precinct doors represent barriers faced by those who don’t match the “majority’s” idea of what’s acceptable or valuable.

While the series centers on the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community and the stereotypical roles Hollywood has long relegated them to—background extras, kung fu fighters—it forces viewers to confront bigger questions. It makes you ask: Am I complicit in perpetuating these stereotypes? Am I limiting others—or even myself—by what I assume is their worth? It’s not just about API representation; it’s about how society as a whole undervalues anyone who doesn’t fit neatly into its preferred narrative.

The show can feel confusing if you don’t grasp its satirical lens upfront. But for me, knowing the context of Charles Yu’s original book helped it click. The production team does an incredible job balancing satire with sincerity, blurring the line between real life and the exaggerated Hollywood “procedural” format. They cleverly use contrasting visuals and distinct camera work to draw you into different headspaces—Hollywood’s glossy expectations versus the grittier reality of life.

Chloe Bennet’s involvement (real name Chloe Wang) ties into the show’s themes on a deeply personal level. She famously changed her last name to navigate Hollywood, caught in the impossible middle ground of not being “Asian enough” or “white enough” for casting directors. It’s a decision that sparks debate—was it an act of survival, assimilation, or betrayal? But for Bennett, it was about carving a space for herself to pursue her dreams.

This theme echoes in one of the show’s most poignant scenes, where Lana is told, “You will never completely understand. You’re mixed.” It’s a crushing acknowledgment of the barriers that persist, even when you’re trying to bridge divides. Lana’s story highlights how identity can be both a strength and an obstacle, and the line serves as a painful reminder of the walls society creates—externally and internally.

Interior Chinatown doesn’t just ask us to look at the system; it forces us to examine ourselves. Whether it’s Willis Wu at the precinct door or Lana trying to connect in a world that sees her as neither this nor that, the show unflinchingly portrays the struggle to belong. And as viewers, it challenges us to question our role in those struggles: Are we helping to dismantle the barriers, or are we quietly reinforcing them?

[279ital]

finished int. chinatown, the show I decided to only watch in the bathtub. and. good. its good. something I could have decided to pray apart for analyzing, but no. this was my bathtub show. I was various degrees of dehydrated and enjoying myself.

going to read someones attempt of picking apart this show, though.

[beesyjimwax]

A quick doodle for interior chinatown

[deductions-and-magic]

On the perimeter of the Int.

so I just watched Interior Chinatown and discovered Archie Kao (and proceeded to start watching his entire filmography as you do) (also i think i really need to read the book Edit: finished the book!! might write a new post)

And I think it is so poignant that he is Uncle Wong

The ABC (American Born Chinese) who has a foot in both worlds (the first to realize the dangers involved and believes it’s his responsibility to protect his people!), who says

"I was born here. In this city. I've been here my whole life."

and yet is so grounded in both cultures

who finds the victims of the systematic violence resulting from the police procedural

is performed by the ABC who was raised on an American farm, who did not know Mandarin when he moved to China a few years back to find his roots and pursued acting there, who is now back in the US (source: his Int. Chinatown interviews), who has always tried to help. to change things (even if small)

In his interviews he talked about how he spent most of his time in Hollywood on procedural dramas

And parallels with Willis Wu who as a "Generic Asian Man" could not be the hero, the lead (on CSI: Enhance! On Chicago PD: Detective but tech guy — so many parallels)

So he, like many Asian Americans, IS Willis Wu (like Uncle Wong was Willis but even more similar)

but more importantly, his path of America -> Asia -> America is the path of so many people who are unsure of “self” and where they stand, thinking about where they come from and what that actually means

What being American Means, What being Asian Means, What being Asian-American Means

so I think it's likely this show represents a culmination of his journey of self discovery

As a Chinese American

And what that means to him.

Not at the intersection of two cultures but Cape Horn -- a confluence

Where oceans crash together and people get submerged

where there is a distinct divide but you can’t see it when you’re in the water

In Chinese there's a saying: "见山是山，见水是水；见山不是山，见水不是水；依然见山还是山，见水还是水", which roughly translates to “Seeing mountains as mountains, seeing water as water; seeing mountains not as mountains, seeing water not as water; still seeing mountains as mountains, water as water"

like you're back where you are before, and it's the same

but it’s different now

Which applies to so many things here.

[softlypaintedseafoam]

i just finished episode 6 and idk how to act

[forest-of-fiends]

About Me

⊹ hello there, forest fiends.

Lucy, twenty-four, German-American, cat girl, videographer, & artist.

This blog is for the black sheep, the lone wolf, the street cat, and stargazers. We explore the wild unknown together, but we reblog cats and nature pics too.

This blog is also a smattering of whatever is bouncing around in my head.

Ask me anything, forest fiends 🌲

✶ Books

🍀 2024 Completed Books

⭐ 2025 Reading List - 2025 Completed Books

⭒ Music Artists

Crystal Castles, Grimes, Crim3s, Blink-182, Ashniiko, STOCKMANN, Rory in early 20s, Laura Les, Alice Pheobe Lou, Radiohead, Banshee.

✶ Movies/Shows

Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, INT Chinatown, Lucifer, Ponyo, The Last Unicorn, any Wes Anderson movie, #theamericanpoliticalclimate

⭒ Hobbies

filmmaking, drawing, drinking decaf coffee, sleeping, working out, being outside, being with friends, looking at moss, & reading.

✶ Blog Style

dark forest, film, art, magic, cat girls, moodboards, confessions/secrets, book reviews, movie and show reviews, & other random things.

⭒ Currently Reading

The Overstory - Richard Powers

[mercury-waters]

"Think There's Any Money In Nessie-Hunting?"

The full scene from the clip I posted a couple days ago. Heads up; if you like this style, you should totally read An Exaggerated Murder by Josh Cook, aka my favorite book EVER and which I have largely ripped off playing around here.

February hung over the city like bad breath after a heavy night. The sour whiskey aftertaste of abandoned resolutions lingered in snowless streets, exorcised by the timeless fugue state induced by late-afternoon sunsets. It seemed as though every alley was filled with the smoke of good intentions, set aflame by the cigarette you hoped would be the last but never quite was. Starting new would be easy, if the old guy wasn’t always along for the ride.

And so the waft of disappointingly accurate self-realization floated up a desolate brick alley in Chinatown, weaved through the rusted bars of a rickety fire escape, and in through the third-story window of Reiner Cain’s office, where he breathed it in like it was a heady aroma of familiar perfume. And in a way, it was.

“Slow week?”

In the office’s anteroom, ex-narco, ex-boxing champion, and most recently, ex-husband Wayne Wright leaned against the kitchenette counter, face obscured by the morning paper. The sleeves of his crisp white dress shirt were already rolled up past the forearm, so either the depo hadn’t gone well, or he’d overheated on his morning run. Given that it was a brisk five degrees outside, Reiner would put his money on the latter.

“Slow month,” Reiner yawned, kicking his legs up on the desk. “Sadly, even criminals take a load off after January.” He flicked his eyes over Wayne’s faux-relaxed posture. “Got something you wanna tell me?”

The paper rustled. A bird flying from the bush, seconds before the shot. “You know I hate it when you do that.”

“Yeah, well, I’m always right about it. It was the depo, wasn’t it?”

Sighing in defeat, Wayne snapped the paper shut, folded it with a flourish and set it on the counter, where it would likely be stained with spilled coffee. “Yeah. It was.”

“Hit me.”

“They’re not gonna call either of us to the stand.”

“Damn.” Reiner whistled. “The cops lied? You don’t say.”

“Fawker said they have the guy dead to rights without us.”

“Yeah, because of the evidence we brought to their doorstep in a doggy-bag. Go figure.” Reiner spun around in his office chair, ignoring how the resulting sensation made him feel like he was about to get reacquainted with his breakfast. “So, no juicy ‘expert witness’ pay for either of us.” Suddenly, he stopped, catching himself with a foot at the edge of his desk. “Say, Wayne. You alright?”

“I rolled my ankle this morning, but I don’t think that’s what you’re asking.”

“I mean, financially. You’re literally in court right now splitting assets. How close are you to opening that book up to chapter eleven?”

Wayne smiled ruefully, picking the paper back up. “Mark’s being fair.”

“He kept the house.”

“Saves me the commute. And the mortgage.”

“We need to find a case.”

Wayne’s eyebrows made a valiant attempt to escape from his face. “That’s oddly… proactive of you.”

“Well, usually some lady with a fur coat and a murdered husband walks in asking me to prove her innocence before we have to have this conversation, but, you know. Needs must.”

“Could check the headlines.” Wayne snapped the paper in his hands, the crisp newsprint radiating the sports scores.

“Doubtful that Alderman Whats-his-face is going to hire me to clear him of campaign embezzlement accusations.”

“You know, a different detective might have said they’d refuse such a case.”

“You’re welcome to go work for him or her, then. Besides, wouldn’t you say that the fact that the city pigs and penguins wouldn’t hire me to begin with is enough of an evaluation of my character?”

“Penguins?”

“Suits, Wayne. Suits.” Reiner stretched, his fingertips getting dangerously close to a date with the ceiling fan. “Could swing by the retirement home again. Those crazy kids have always got something to look into. Or I could take out another ad —”

“Reiner.” Wayne folded the paper, slapping it down on the kitchenette counter. The top-right corner met small coffee spot and darkened, but it did not sully the sheer effect. Page B2 of the Metro section — a big splash photo with a splashier headline.

SPEEDBOAT CAPSIZING KILLS TWO; SPECTATORS BLAME LAKE MONSTER

Reiner folded his arms. “Huh.” Then he went to the coat rack and pulled on his long wool coat and hat. “Think there’s any money in Nessie-hunting?”

Wayne shrugged. He folded up the newspaper and took his jacket off the back of the kitchen chair. “If there isn’t, we can always sell t-shirts.”

[279ital]

I decided int. chinatown was just bathtub watching, so it has taken me some time, but I am almost at the end and it fucks hard all the way.

[venturelimo]

Luxury on the West Coast: Elevating Your Experience with Limo Service in San Diego and San Francisco

As the iconic cities of San Diego and San Francisco continue to captivate visitors with their unique charm and vibrant atmospheres, exploring these destinations in style has become an enticing prospect. Enter the world of luxury transportation – where the journey is as memorable as the destination. In this article, we delve into the allure of limo service in San Diego and San Francisco, exploring how these services redefine travel experiences on the West Coast.

San Diego: A Coastal Elegance

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Southern California, San Diego is a city that effortlessly blends laid-back coastal vibes with a cosmopolitan flair. For those seeking a touch of luxury amid the Pacific breeze, limo service in San Diego provides an unparalleled way to explore the city's diverse offerings.

Whether you're arriving at San Diego International Airport or planning a special evening out, opting for a limo service ensures a seamless and sophisticated experience. Imagine stepping out of the airport terminal directly into the plush interior of a sleek limousine, where professional chauffeurs stand ready to whisk you away to your destination in comfort and style.

San Diego's attractions are as varied as they are captivating. From the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the scenic La Jolla Cove, a limo service offers the convenience of exploring these locales without the hassle of navigation or parking. Enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline as your chauffeur effortlessly guides you through the city's landmarks, creating an experience that is both leisurely and opulent.

Beyond leisurely sightseeing, limo services in San Diego are also a popular choice for special occasions. Whether it's a wedding celebration, milestone birthday, or a romantic date night, a luxurious limousine adds an extra layer of sophistication to the festivities. With a fleet that includes various models to suit different preferences, limo services in San Diego cater to both intimate gatherings and larger parties, ensuring that every moment is celebrated in style.

San Francisco: The City by the Bay in Elegance

Heading north along the California coast, we arrive at the iconic city of San Francisco. Renowned for its historic landmarks, hilly landscapes, and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco is a destination that beckons exploration. And what better way to navigate its picturesque streets than in the comfort of a chauffeured limousine?

San Francisco limo service offers a unique perspective on the city's landmarks. Imagine traversing the winding streets of Lombard Street or crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, all while ensconced in the plush interior of a luxury vehicle. The city's renowned neighborhoods, from the trendy Mission District to the upscale Nob Hill, become more accessible and enjoyable when experienced from the backseat of a limousine.

For those arriving at San Francisco International Airport, a limo service provides a seamless transition from air travel to ground transportation. No need to worry about the logistics of getting from the airport to your hotel or destination; your chauffeur takes care of everything, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic drive into the heart of the city.

San Francisco's vibrant cultural scene, diverse culinary offerings, and bustling entertainment hubs are all within reach when you opt for limo service. Attend a show at the renowned theaters in the city or embark on a culinary adventure in neighborhoods like Chinatown or the Ferry Building – your limousine becomes a mobile haven, ensuring that your journey is as captivating as the destinations themselves.

The Allure of Limo Services:

The appeal of limo services in San Diego and San Francisco extends beyond the luxurious vehicles and chauffeured convenience. It lies in the meticulous attention to detail, the commitment to customer satisfaction, and the seamless integration of opulence into every aspect of the journey.

Professional chauffeurs, well-versed in the intricacies of each city, serve as knowledgeable guides, providing insights into local attractions and ensuring that your experience is not only luxurious but also enriched with information. From suggesting hidden gems to navigating the best routes, these chauffeurs contribute significantly to the overall enjoyment of your journey.

Moreover, the diverse fleet of limousines available caters to a range of preferences and group sizes. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with a larger party, there's a limousine model that suits your needs. From sleek sedans to spacious stretch limos, the variety ensures that your chosen vehicle aligns perfectly with the occasion and your personal style.

Conclusion:

In the cities of San Diego and San Francisco, where every street corner tells a story and every landmark beckons exploration, opting for limo service elevates your experience to new heights. Whether you're a visitor looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture or a local wanting to rediscover your city's charm, a limousine becomes your gateway to luxury and convenience.

As you navigate the bustling streets or embark on a scenic coastal drive, the allure of limo service in San Diego and San Francisco becomes evident. It's not just about reaching your destination; it's about savoring the journey, creating memories, and indulging in the luxury of an experience tailored to your preferences. So, the next time you find yourself in these West Coast gems, consider the elegance and sophistication that limo service brings to your travel itinerary.

[crossoverworldtree]

Black Lagoon Company

Why, When, and What: A Mercenary Transport Company in the crime-ridden city of Roanapur in the South Seas.  Just a group of people trying to survive in a dog-eat-dog world.

Clout: Criminal 2, Financial 1, Governmental 1 (4) Locations: One Medium Location (1), Physical Security 1 (Total: 1 (2-1 from Financial Clout)) Gear: Computers 2, Workshop 2, Company Car (0), Tricked Out PT Boat (2), Weapons (Paramilitary) (3) (Total: 5 (9-4 from clout) Total Cost: 10

Rebecca a.k.a. Revy, "Two Hands" Date of Birth: 1977 Motivation: Hide with Violence and Booze Critter Type: Human Attributes: Str 3, Dex 6, Con 5, Int 2, Per 3, Will 4 Ability Scores: Muscle 12, Combat 18, Brains 12 Life Points: 57 Drama Points: 10 Special Abilities: Criminal, Severe Cruelty, Secret (Childhood Trauma), Covetous (Greed), Obsession (Mild, Guns), Hard to Kill 5, Resistance (pain) 5, Nerves of Steel, Fast Reaction Time, Minority (Southern Chinese-American Atheist), Attractiveness +3, Addiction (Alcohol and Cigarettes), Adversary (NYPD wants her for a whole laundry list of things, many others) 4, Severe Cruelty, Emotional Problems (Anger, Fear of Commitment), Love (Tragic), KI + 2, Martial Travels (Beginner), Ambidextrous, Honorable (Minimal), Contacts (Criminal) 3, Delusions (Nihilism), Martial Philosophy (Pistolero) Name - Score - Damage - Notes Punch - 18 - 11 - Bash Kick - 17 - 13 - Bash Pistol - 18 - 12 - Bullet Big Pistol - 18 - 15 - Bullet Huge Pistol - 18 - 18 - Bullet Grenade Launcher - 18 - 30/15/5 - Bash Anti-Tank Gun - 18 - 50 - Explosive, AP 6 Ki - 14 - Varies - By Ability Revy is the team's "muscle" and gunwoman of the Black Lagoon Company. Not much is known about her past, but what is known and generally accepted as a reason not to prod is that it was not pretty. A normal, loving childhood could not produce this monstrous fighter. She was born in Manhattan's Chinatown; Revy is known to have been a thief and a murderer from a very young age. Rough, quick to anger, and completely numb to the violence she often inflicts at random; she also revels in high combat.  She does not want to admit it, but she has a crush on Rock (surprising, since she nearly shot him in the head multiple times and took the longest to accept him as a crew member). Seeing him work to help other people makes her want to be helped by him. But she is the one who helped him, so he doesn't realize what she truly wants.

It's awkward. Known Ki: Acrobatic Multi-Tasking, As the Water Flows, Breather, Bullet Disarm, Bullet Snatch, Hail Mary Run, Hand Cannon, Healing Ki, Ki Speed, No Need to Draw, Piercing Strike, Speed Reload, Wall Walk

Rokuro "Rock" Okajima Date of Birth: 1975 Motivation: Get by in New Life Critter Type: Human Attributes: Str 2, Dex 3, Con 4, Int 4, Per 4, Will 3 Ability Scores: Muscle 10, Combat 12, Brains 16 Life Points: 34 Drama Points: 10 Special Abilities: Nerd, Resistance (Alcohol) 5, Honorable (Serious), Good Luck 10, Adversary (Incidental), Knowledge (Refined things) +2, Languages (English, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Spanish), Minority (Japanese), Addiction (Cigarettes, mild alcohol), Attractiveness +2, Love (Tragic) Name - Score - Damage - Notes Dodge - 15 - None – Full Defense Action A Japanese Salaryman who found himself on a pirate ship, he still keeps an air of cleanliness and sophistication about him (which irks Revy somewhat. He still won't wear that Hawaiian Shirt she got him...), which aids in getting certain jobs. He has many odd bits of information floating around his head from his former life and is rather good at assessing situations. He's grown accustomed to his new life though.

Dutch Date of Birth: 1975 Motivation: Keep the crew going Critter Type: Human Attributes: Str 5, Dex 4, Con 4, Int 3, Per 3, Will 4 Ability Scores: Muscle 18, Combat 16, Brains 14 Life Points: 65 Drama Points: 10 Special Abilities: Ex-Soldier (?), Resistance (pain) 5, Nerves of Steel, Fast Reaction Time, Crime +2, Hard to Kill 5, Minority (Black), Honorable (minimal), Contacts (Criminal 5), Adversary (US Military), Addiction (Cigarettes), Attractiveness +1 Name - Score - Damage - Notes Punch - 16 - 16 - Bash Pistol - 16 - 22 – Bullet Shotgun - 16 - 24 - Bullet The ubiquitous captain of the Black Lagoon. He claims he is a Vietnam vet who went AWOL and acted as a mercenary for a while before forming his own company. He rarely does that sort of thing these days, working more through his contacts in Hotel Moscow and with the Triad. He’ll take any job offered and get it done.

Benny Date of Birth: 1978 Motivation: Day to Day Living, Technology Critter Type: Human Attributes: Str 1, Dex 3, Con 3, Int 5, Per 2, Will 3 Ability Scores: Muscle 8, Combat 10, Brains 16 Life Points: 26 Drama Points: 10 Special Abilities: Nerd, Criminal, Nerves of Steel, Minority (Jewish American), Contacts (Hackers), Adversary (FBI, Mafia), Addiction (Cigarettes), Love (Janet "Greenback Jenny" Bhai), +2 Computers, Attractiveness +1 Name - Score - Damage - Notes Dodge - 13 - None - Full Defense Action Benny is the Hacker, Computer Expert, and Repairman for Black Lagoon. He dropped out of college (in Florida), managed to piss off the FBI and Mafia at the same time, and would have died if not for Revy. He followed her to the Black Lagoon company and stuck with it since then. Very laid-back and easy-going guy, like Rock, he doesn't get into any gunfights and travels unarmed.

[chaneajoyyy]

Ma'am, I just read about Lewis Tan's romcom and trust me, Asians are annoyed about the love ints too. Even with Asian casts we get yt lis. Warrior,set in CHINATOWN,talks about all the racist struggles the community faced ahead of the inclusion act? MULTIPLE yt(savior) lis. Kim's Convenience, korean family show? A way too focused on yt li. We are f*cking tired. Hollywood, stop only writing yt women as love interests, and interracial doesn't have to mean moc + wm. Sincerely, angry woc audience 🙄

Dannggg!!! I don’t blame y’all! Is it ever gonna change? It was refreshing seeing The Lovebirds on Neflix last year. Those two shows are on my list to watch and I didn’t know all that was goin down? Hollywood you hear this? Sop it!