Interior Chinatown (TV Series), A Slow-building but rewarding watch

Interior Chinatown, available on Disney+ Hotstar in India, stands out as a unique TV show that experiments with storytelling. Based on the award-winning book of the same name, the series blurs the lines between reality and the reel world, creating a narrative that is both intriguing and, at times, confusing. The plot is straightforward, but the events unfold gradually. It requires patience, as the story only gains momentum after several episodes. While there is no gripping mystery to solve, which felt slightly underwhelming, the innovative storytelling style earns it a Ripe rating from Mangoidiots.

The story centres around the Golden Palace Restaurant in Chinatown, situated in a large city that remains unnamed but feels reminiscent of Chinatowns in cities like Los Angeles. The city’s authorities seem indifferent to what happens in Chinatown, setting the stage for the drama. The protagonist, Willis Wu, is a young waiter with dreams of something bigger. Haunted by the memory of his older brother, the “karate kid,” Wu navigates his daily life alongside his close friend and co-worker, Fatty Choi. A turning point occurs when detectives Turner and Green arrive in Chinatown to investigate an incident, propelling the story forward.

The family dynamics of Wu are portrayed with depth, particularly the roles of his parents, making it easy to connect with their struggles and aspirations. Similarly, the detective duo of Turner and Green adds an engaging layer to the narrative. The series shines in its depiction of Chinatown, often an overlooked part of major American cities, and does a commendable job of addressing racial stereotypes in a humorous yet thought-provoking manner.

The show’s standout performance comes from Jimmy O. Yang, best known for his role as Jian-Yang in HBO’s Silicon Valley. He is joined by Ronny Chieng as Fatty Choi and Chloe Bennet as Detective Lana Lee, both of whom deliver compelling performances. Their chemistry adds richness to the narrative.

Overall, Interior Chinatown is worth a watch if you enjoy unconventional storytelling and have an interest in exploring the nuances of a subculture within a mainstream urban setting.