Slaying the Dragon: Asian Women in U.S. Television and Film (1988)

Slaying the DragonDirected by: Deborah Gee
Duration: 60 minutes

SLAYING THE DRAGON is the first and only comprehensive documentary that explores media stereotypes of Asian and Asian American women since the silent era. From the racist use of white actors to portray Asians in early Hollywood films, through the success of Anna May Wong’s sinister dragon lady, to seductive Suzie Wong and the subservient ’50s geisha girls, to the Asian American anchorwoman of today, this fascinating videotape shows how images of exoticism and docility socially and psychologically impact Asian American women. This invaluable award-winning resource has been widely used by universities and libraries.

Review quotes for Slaying the Dragon:

“Slaying the Dragon shows how racism and the shifting winds of history have inhibited realistic portrayals of Asian women.”
– John Carman, San Francisco Chronicle

“Intelligent, moving.”
– New Directions for Women