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Podcasts The Frame
The pivotal mahjong scene in 'Crazy Rich Asians'
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The Frame Tile
Episode 18857
Listen • 27:31
The pivotal mahjong scene in 'Crazy Rich Asians'

Breaking down the scene between Michelle Yeoh and her would be daughter-in-law, Constance Wu; documentary filmmaker Steve James spent a year inside a Chicago high school for the series, “America to Me”; remembering playwright and screenwriter Neil Simon, who died at the age of 91.

Michelle Yeoh plays a woman who does not approve of her son's choice for a wife in "Crazy Rich Asians."
Michelle Yeoh plays a woman who does not approve of her son's choice for a wife in "Crazy Rich Asians."
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On today's show:

When Mahjong isn't just a game

(Starts at 1:16)

Jeff Yang is a journalist, media consultant and host of the podcast, “They Call us Bruce” — an unfiltered look into the goings-on of Asian America. Yang has already seen “Crazy Rich Asians” five times, deeming it a creative triumph. Yang stopped by The Frame to talk about the film’s success, and he breaks down its key moments — like the now famous mahjong scene between Michelle Yeoh and her would be daughter-in-law, Constance Wu. Not included in the book, the mahjong scene was a critical addition, serving as both a turning point for the movie and a cultural window into one of China’s most popular pastimes. 

THE STARK REALITY OF HIGH SCHOOL

(Starts at 8:16)

Steve James is the documentary filmmaker who directed the acclaimed "Hoop Dreams." For his latest project, “America to Me,” he spent a year inside a Chicago high school trying to find out what works —and what doesn't — in public education.

Neil Simon, RIP

(Starts at 20:31)

The prolific playwright and screenwriter has died at the age of 91. Michael Ritchie, artistic director of Center Theater Group, talks about Simon's last show at the Ahmanson Theatre, "The Sunshine Boys," in 2013.