Pitch Perfect (2012)
Hidden within the hilarious plot and catchy music, I spotted underlying negative portrayals of Asian Americans in the media.
(1) Lilly Onakuramara, played by Hana Mae Lee, is portrayed as a shy, soft-spoken and meek Asian girl. In addition to being dressed in stereotypical Asian fashion (braids, bow headband) and having a frightened expression on her face, she speaks so quietly that no one can make out what she's saying. Because no one can hear her, she is often ignored by the rest of the acapella group members. When viewers can actually hear her lines, it's usually something odd, inappropriate and quirky, such as "I ate my twin in the womb," or "Do you guys want to see a dead body?"
(2) Kimmy Jin, played by Jinhee Joung, is Beca's (main character) Korean roommate. Her role fits the Dragon Lady stereotype for her character is very mean and cold towards the protagonist. When she glares silently at Beca, Beca questions whether she can speak English by repeating her line slower. Throughout the entire film, she is referred by her full name, Kimmy Jin, as if to accentuate the point that she is a foreigner. She is also seen joining the Korean Student Association and playing video games with her stereotypical nerdy Asian friends; Kimmy is portrayed as a cold, non-assimilating Asian girl.
(Rachel Shim)