THE JOY LUCK CLUB (1993)

THE JOY LUCK CLUB (R) An emotional epic built on one lachrymose climax after another: What plot there is exists simply to set up the next Big Cry. Adapted from the Amy Tan best-seller, Joy details the relationships of four older Chinese women with their four Americanized daughters. Unfortunately, little is shown that isn't also described in voice-over, a books-on-audiotape approach that mistakes the literal for the literary. The cast is the main reason to see the film. Asian-American actresses like Tamlyn Tomita and Rosalind Chao rarely get a shot at leading parts, and you can feel their relief in the generous, intelligent performances. But there's only so long you can keep a lump in your throat before you start to choke on it.