Original subtitles

She got a sweetheart yet?

No time to date. The hospital keeps her too busy

She was always first in her class. Not like my lazy Raymond

He never opens a book, only his wallet

At 29, he's already VP of his company. What are you complaining about?

Yeah, money seems to cling to him, but what's the use?

He's only 5'8"

Let me tell you…

…every Friday, Wilhelmina comes home for the dance

Good. See you there tonight

Be discrete. Nothing kills romance faster than a mother's approval

Have faith, I know what to do

And make sure his hands are clean. It’s flu season

I’ll wash them myself if I have to

You're late again

- All the crab is gone. - This party's a bust. Let's go to KFC

Cheeky girl

So thin. You'll catch your death

I see men's clothes are still in style

Let me button that for you. People are going to think….

Wil, I love your outfit!

Don't you think it's too boyish?

Nonsense

I had a pair just like those during the Revolution

Sturdy and practical. Just the thing for war

Your high heels on the other hand….

Those things will kill you

It’ll be a miracle if you don't trip and die

I’m going to get some squid

Hey, Grandma

Good to see you, Old Yu

Let me say a few words

As the lazy toads of summer give way…

…to the crackling of autumn leaves…

…one's mind naturally turns toward the demise of our children's education

I give thanks to the woman who has suffered alongside me

- I toast you. - Okay, no more suffering. Let's eat

Look at those two

Don't their faces reflect good marriage chi?

Depends on whose marriage

Hey, Albert! Don't eat too much of that cabbage

It gives you gas!

Your Raymond is such a gentleman

Anyone looks good on his arm

Another great party

My husband and I fought all the way over here

But I’m having a great time. Is there more wine?

They say her ex-husband has a new wife 20 years younger than her

Serves her right. He made good money

What's to be unhappy about?

Marry a rooster, follow the rooster. Marry a dog, follow the dog

Why be like those Americans, divorcing all the time?

She'll never marry again. Women never do

She's certainly not meeting anyone here

Still…

…must be lonely at these parties without a man

What do you think those morons talk about anyway?

The usual ball scratching

They say he's got a new wife on the Upper East Side

I heard she's 20 years younger

My back hurts just thinking about it

I plan to be married soon myself

Anyone in mind?

Good luck. You'll have to get past her father first

Just plain friends

Forget meat on the grill, and it will dry out

- Right. So my ma says. - Does she?

She's quite a woman

Ever since your father passed away, she's been so delicate

These 20-odd years you've been all she has

Wilhelmina!

Yeah. She's delicate

I’m not feeling so well. Take me home

It’s those heels, I tell you!

Thanks, Little Yu

Home to see your grandparents?

I have station duty Friday nights

From my father

He still telling fortunes?

As long as there are anxious wives and mothers, he'll be in business

Your mother asked him to give you some herbs…

…to improve your fortitude for marriage

Give it a try. Those herbs are good for your heart anyway

Professor, your chi is so potent…

…you've managed to hold the court once again

No fortunes to tell this morning, Old Yu?

Most people don't want to hear the truth until after lunch

Fate is for the lazy

Too true, too true

But I won't lie, my only morning customer…

…was your only daughter

Her?

What does she have to worry about?

She lives safely at home with us

Her daughter's a doctor

- What more could she want? - Indeed

But her health may be a bit bumpy this year

Ridiculous. She's only 48

Could be menopause

Menopause?

Nonsense

Only Americans freak out about menopause

Thank God you're here! I’ve been waiting for hours

This is a crummy neighborhood

Take this

Do I look sick to you?

Pick up that bag

Don't be ridiculous. She'll outlive us all

Do I look like I’m crying?

You're just going to let me freeze to death here?

Tell me what happened

All right. I’m calling Grandma

Is that how you speak to your ma who worked nights so you could eat?

Who stayed in labor without painkillers…

…so you wouldn't turn dim-witted like your cousin Jimmy?

Had I known you would grow so ungrateful…

…I would have held you in

Has she eaten?

What is she doing here?

She'll need better nutrition now

She's not that old

Wait, I can't hear. Ma

Can you pipe down?

It’s good for her to stay with you. You're a doctor

You can help her…

…maybe get free drugs from the hospital

- Okay. - You'll pick up her things tomorrow

- I’ll bring her back tomorrow. - I'll prepare herbs from Old Yu

They'll help her with the baby

- Pregnant! - At her age!

- It’s a scandal! - A disgrace!

- It’s better than the soaps! - More drama!

- More intrigue! - More eel!

Don't eat so much eel! It gives you gas

Who's the father?

Who is the father?

- Father. - Don't call me Father!

You are the biggest disgrace, the ultimate shame

What kind of example are you for your daughter?

- You're not pregnant too are you? - Me? No. No

No daughter has shamed her parents more than you

What have we done to deserve this?

Do you have any idea who the father is?

Can't bring it up

She just cries and goes on about how ungrateful I am

How did you find out she was…?

The receptionist at the Manhattan clinic…

…is married to one of Grandpa's former students

He's going to banish her from Flushing. Where will she go?

He can't do this to her. She belongs here

Who is the father?

You won't tell us? Fine

Take all the ones with your mother in them

She is no longer a part of this family

Father. Don't be like this

When I think of all we've sacrificed in the old country…

…to give you kids a better life in the new one

Had I known, I would have left you behind in the mainland

Father, please don't feel shamed

How can I not feel shame?

My own rotten flesh has gotten pregnant without a husband

You don't think people will laugh at me?

The professor speaks big words…

…but can't control his own daughter?

Old man, this situation won't improve with yelling

She wasn't even going to tell us

She can throw her own reputation away, but it still comes back to me

Still crying?

Get out of this house

Don't come back until you have a husband to match the child

Look how cheerful this red is. We'll put some up here…

…there and there!

That black is just depressing

You have no oyster sauce

I don't use oyster sauce

Since when do you drink beer?

You shouldn't keep this stuff unless you plan to use it

Do you plan to keep the…?

What kind of vegetable is this?

I see you just let my face masks waste away

- What's this? - Herbs from Old Yu

Every week, he has his son Little Yu give them to me…

…to improve my marriage chi or something

Don't be rude, just hiding them here

I want to have a look

The big one is for your mother. Morning sickness

You're home

Turn up the TV

It’s just getting to the good part

She's dumping him

Smells great, right? Stinky tofu

No, that's just a special treat

We have chicken, sweet pea stalks, and fish with bean sauce

Is he coming?

Safer this way. Throw it out afterwards

I’ll give him two

His shoes! His shoes!

You remember my neighbor, Jay

His shoes!

Your neighbor is loud and dark and eats too much soy sauce

Americans like soy sauce

I’m going to start eating less soy sauce…

…so it won't stain the baby too dark

You eat less too, so you don't grow spots

Too late for him anyway

Excuse me. Do you have Chinese movies?

Have you eaten?

How long have you been pregnant?

A couple of months

Married?

Once

Children are a blessing just the same

Number 48

- We need to see the patient alone. - I’ll be right here

Don't forget. I invited the mahjong ladies over tonight

So don't bring any of your friends over

You should get home in time to say hello to them

You haven't seen them in so long

You missed the mahjong party

I’m not going on a date

Too puffy, better up. But I’m not going

What's wrong with it?

Chinese people cannot wear yellow

How about this one? It’s sexy

No one wants to see a 50-year-old Chinese woman look sexy

Ma, you're only 48

Connie Chung's sexy, and she must be nearly 60

Her show was cancelled

- Is it a white guy? - No

An ugly old white guy

No. He's Chinese

He's nice, very healthy

Pretty healthy

I’m not going

I’m really not going

Then you go

I don't have enough time

Tell him I’m sick

Lost my voice

What am I going to talk about anyway?

Forty-eight and going on a date

It’s okay

We have enough time

Look. This dress isn't bad

We'll just take your hair down

What?

What are you looking at?

Do I tell him about the baby?

So, Mr. Fu, what is your line of work?

I’m in import-export

- Good business? - Not bad, not bad

Made enough last month to go on a singles cruise to Fiji

Not that I went

- You're an only daughter? - Yes

I always wish I had kids

No kids? Do you want any?

No, it's not necessary. I’m too old now

Besides, I’m fixed down there

Hello, my name is Fu Cheng Wen

Gao Hwei Lan

Can we go now?

- What time are you getting back? - Before midnight

You're a doctor?

I’ve got a wart on my left calf. It’s driving me nuts

Can you tell me if it's cancer?

My last wife made me take lessons

The whole year, she would scream：

Fung Ling restaurant

Huge she-crab. So much egg

I think I’m too old to have a child

If these are my dating options…

…I am definitely too old

There's not much left on this tape

Why are you in street clothes?

I can't believe you came from my womb

No. He's marrying her for money

No

That's his brother

He's the most evil of them all

He wants to ruin her family to avenge a grudge

That's the good guy

I have found her a husband

She will marry Cho. To the right

I don't think Ma likes him

What's not to like? Back left

He's kind of intense

Who cares?

He's a good man who will take care of your mother…

…and give both her and that child a decent name

Where can you find a man like that?

You will help her see this

I don't think she sees anything she doesn't want to

She shouldn't be alone

Don't listen to him

Another misunderstanding. Now they'll never get together

He didn't really. He was drunk

She'd be lonely

Are you lonely?

No, I have you

Why?

It’s too late for me

- What about a father for your child? - I raised you single-handedly

You turned out all right

I just think you should give that Cho a chance

Then you wouldn't be alone…

…and it would make Grandpa happy

Enough soap opera for today

I’m going to be a terrible mother

I don't even like babies

Stephen's always bringing his kid to the shop

All that drooling. Gross

You were different

You sprung from the womb already grown-up

And I had your father during your early years

He was really patient

You have me

Fish is good, Auntie

What do you do?

Vivian's a dancer

A go-go dancer?

I dance with the New York City Ballet

Oh, ballet

But now I’m…

…taking a break to dance modern

She's very, very good

Not ballet

So is the baby good?

She works too hard

I hardly get to see her

So do you have a boyfriend?

No

Pretty girl like you must have lots of boys ask you out

Wil’s black neighbor is single…

…always around

You interested?

- You don't like black people? - Sure, I like--

- She doesn't like black people. - Yes, she does

- Then why won't she date them? - Let's just eat

I just want to make sure my baby gets home safe

Hey, Little Yu. Isn't my daughter beautiful?

She is indeed

- Say thank you. - Thank you

Thank your father. I’ll be calling him tonight

Little Yu's got a solid job and good benefits

- Great crab, isn't it? - Smells delicious

There's an old tradition in Shanghai

They pick their son-in-law based on his skill at extracting his crab meat

What am I saying?

You can't have crab because of the--

Your child would be my child

I would make sure you have anything you want for the rest of your life

I just want you to be happy

There are many women who would be happy with you

Wouldn't you rather have someone younger?

Younger people. Today they love you. Tomorrow, who knows?

It’s better to stick with someone who can really understand you

Besides…

…I’ve liked you for over 15 years

I had a lovely time

You look lovely in this light

Wonder how the gang is doing over at the salon

Carrying one child and sending the other out to do her dirty work

She never could take care of herself

Who could the father be?

Do you think the father…

…is someone in our circle?

No way. Fred is too respectful

Len is too scared

Too lazy

Too busy losing money

Thank God

Good to know we're safe

Hello, Wilhelmina. How is that mother of yours?

Didn't you see her the other day at her mahjong party?

Oh, no. I was busy. I wasn't able to make it

Me too. Everyone's so busy these days

I heard no one went

What?

He's a nice man

I just told you. I like him fine

Mr. Cho took you to the hospital?

He's a good man

Don't worry, Professor Gao. Your wife's okay

My daughter

What were you all so worried about?

Haven't I been healthy all these years?

This is nothing compared to war

Don't excite yourself

That's right, Mrs. Gao. Just relax

You relax. Preferably elsewhere. I want to speak to my granddaughter

I’ll be back later

Me too

Thank God they're gone

Like I’m so bored I have to listen to his asinine pandering!

How's your mother?

She's doing well

You're talking to me

She's totally depressed and humiliated

Don't tell her about this

How can I not?

She has enough on her mind

Your grandfather forbids her to come anyway

It’ll just make her feel bad

I’ll be out soon

Promise you won't tell her until I’m back home

Grandma….

Promise me

You're just in time

She's watching his plane take off for the States

Stupid girl, he's so obviously right for you

We need to talk

There's not much left on this tape

I don't think this can wait

I love you

And I’m gay

How can you say those two things at once?

How can you tell me you love me…

…then throw that in my face?

I am not a bad mother

My daughter is not gay

Then maybe I shouldn't be your daughter

My dad said this is for the bride

"Hwei Lan…

…you keep refusing to see me

By the time you read this…

…you may already be Cho's bride

You've said this is the way fate would have it…

…but if it is your fate to do your father's bidding…

…then it is my fate to try…

…and undo yours

Yes, people would talk about the age difference…."

It's Old Yu!

I may not be what you pictured as your future

But I know now that I am the one destined for you

I love you

I know you love me

Shouldn't this be simple?

Twenty-nine years ago…

…you married a man you didn't love to be the perfect daughter…

…and now you're doing it again, all for your father's honor

Wait!

Wait a moment!

What's going on?

I read the letter. I know

Wil, quiet! You're causing a scene!

You know what? What letter?

Don't marry him!

Marry the one you love

Wait a minute

You don't love me?

Of course she loves you!

Say it! You love him!

No!

No, she doesn't

She loves him!

This is a mistake! It’s not me! It’s not me!

- Yes, it is! - No, it's not!

Wilhelmina!

It’s me

Are you insane?

- That woman's karma kills husbands! - Pa, I love her!

I told you to marry the Hong Kong movie star!

At least she doesn't have kids!

- If you want a divorce, just say so! - You want it!

- Idiot, I love you! - Dog fart! I love you!

I am indebted to you…

…but I don't love you

I am so sorry

I can't

You have thrown away a lifetime of my reputation!

Father, please

Fantastic! I’ll move back in with you

We'll need a bigger bed, so the baby can sleep with me

Later, we'll block off the living room for her crib and--

We really should repaint. Rose beige would be nice

It would warm the place up nicely!

He's young

Handsome

He could have anyone

Today he loves me

Tomorrow, who knows?

I guess I needed him to declare it. Not just to me, but to everyone

Besides, I’d never dated before

I may as well see what's out there

You know…

…that Vivian…

…she seems nice

You like her, don't you?

Stop the bus!

You're late as usual

Wil, it's been so long

Busy lately? Try some of this jerky

Yeah, it's been a busy spring

Well, a full belly conquers all

So now will you let me move in?

No way!

This is the first time I’ve ever had my own place

You're gonna cramp my style

The world is getting too hard to predict

It just keeps getting worse

Revolting!

Let's go

One more bite

Stop patting that side. The baby will turn out lopsided

Don't be silly

Well said!

The moment that girl is born, I’m coming over every day

God knows how she'll turn out if she's brought up by you two

Nice shirt, Vivian

Now why can't you wear something pleasant like that?

So there's only one thing left

When are you going to have a baby?