Q&A with actress Julia Nickson

June 17, 6:22 PMLA Asian American Movie ExaminerEd Moy

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  Actress Julia Nickson

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Many American moviegoers will remember Julia Nickson from her "exotic" role as Co Bao in Rambo: First Blood Part II. 

But more recently, the British-Chinese actress appeared in the 2004 independent film, Ethan Mao and in the 2008 independent film Half-Life.

In her latest film, Dim Sum Funeral, she plays Elizabeth, the eldeset daughter among a family of estranged Chinese-American siblings who reunite after the death of their "Dragon Lady" mother, Mrs. Xiao.

The comedy drama focuses on the siblings gathering in the mansion built by their late father to bid farewell to their mother. Conflicts ensue as the siblings are informed by long-time family friend Viola Gruber that their mother wants to have a traditional Chinese funeral.

Directed by long-time Wayne Wang production assistant Anna Chi, the film features a strong cast of reconizable Hollywood veterans including Russell Wong, Kelly Hu, Bai Ling, Talia Shire and Lisa Lu.

Nickson received several favorable reviews for her "stirring fragility" as a woman whose son has died and marriage is collapsing around her.

According to the Hollywood Reporter: "Nickson gives the strongest performance, managing to convey the bitterness of a wounded woman without ever losing our sympathy."

The film has been picked up for distribution by HBO.

What was your initial reaction to the script's subject matter?

Regarding subject matter, my initial concern was that this film would not bring anything new to the table, in terms of Asian culture and the conflicting emotions that arise when losing someone; yet I could see, from my own family history perspective, how very grounded it was in reality.  Despite reservations, the final cut  proved to be humorous,  charming as well as poignant. Ultimately,  the response I have had from people who have seen it, was their immediate need to forgo, for a moment, their unresolved differences, and make a call of reconciliation. I love the power of film.

How do you think Chinese-American families will respond to the film?

Obviously, there is a generational difference in how subject matter is viewed, but we have so many children of Chinese American families, that have fought the battles that are represented in Dim Sum Funeral.  A few years ago, I judged the Miss Chinatown Pageant, here in Los Angeles, and the winner was a lovely young lady, who was a school teacher.  Last year, I  found myself viewing a documentary of her life, and the pain of losing her father's love and respect due to her marriage to an African American.  I have an aunt in Singapore, who watched Dim Sum Funeral when it played the Singapore International Film Festival, and she seemed to enjoy it very much. Ironically, she has no idea that her son is gay.  I mention these incidents to underscore that there are themes that transcend age and regardless of the generation to which one belongs, I think there is something in the film that both parent and child can relate.

What was it like working with such a talented cast?

Most of us are veterans in the industry, really bonded by the ups and down of being minority players.   If you look at the statistics of casting, female Asians are pretty near the bottom, and here was a film with an abundance of roles specifically written for us.  The cast was, to say mildly, in a very good mood, and Russell Wong, thoroughly enjoyed his fraternal role. There are actually funeral rites that take place over 49 days rather than 7,  and we would have been happy to have filmed that version.

Were there benefits to shooting the film in Canada?

Vancouver is always great.  As actors, we always know that we will have a great crew, extraordinary catering, and lovely locations.  The Canadian actors, Steph Song and Chang Tseng, were both nominated for Leos, in Canada with Chang  winning in his category.  But, as US based actors, we want more filming in Los Angeles, and although I love the travel element, I wish whole heartedly, there were more incentives to film here.  Hollywood is the mecca of film, it is where most of us live, and it is both frustrating and saddening to see it leave.

What's next for you?

I have a couple of projects out of Singapore that I am looking at and have been offered a play, but right now, my daughter is here from London, and I am enjoying every second that I can with her.  

http://www.dimsumfuneralthemovie.com