‘Asian Persuasion‘ at times feels dated with its dialogue, but still allows the audience to enjoy a popcorn rom-com.
‘Asian Persuasion‘ has a lot of potential but doesn’t fully live up to it. Directed by Grammy and Tony Award-winner Jhett Tolentino, and starring Dante Basco—yes, Rufio from *Hook*—and KC Concepcion, the film is packed with talent. With a budget of around $2 million, it’s a truly independent film, and for what it had to work with, it does some impressive things, particularly in its 
efforts to showcase a wide cultural representation. The film boasts characters and influences from 21 Central and East Asian countries, including China, Japan, India, Vietnam, South Korea, and many others. That’s a pretty significant accomplishment, and it adds an extra layer of depth to the film’s story.
However, while the intention to blend romance, humor, and drama is clear, the execution leaves a bit to be desired. The plot feels somewhat convoluted and outdated, with moments of forced humor and dialogue that could have used more refinement. The premise itself—about a lovable underachiever scheming to avoid paying alimony to his fashion-executive ex-wife—has a lot of potential, but the way the story unfolds sometimes feels a bit too predictable or contrived. The pacing also slows down at times, making it hard to stay fully invested.
What really keeps ‘Asian Persuasion‘ from completely missing the mark, though, is the performances. Basco brings his signature charm and comedic timing, delivering some genuinely funny moments, while Concepcion adds warmth to her role. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and they really do their best to bring depth to their characters, elevating the film in ways that the script sometimes doesn’t. Their performances are a big part of why the movie remains watchable and enjoyable, even if the rest of the film doesn’t quite hit all the right notes.
Another highlight of the film is the cultural exploration. The film does a great job at bringing in various Asian cultures, traditions, and perspectives into the narrative allowing it to be organic instead of being the primary focal point.
‘Asian Persuasion‘open in Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Chicago, Toronto, Honolulu, and Washington D.C. on March 21, 2025, followed by a VOD, digital releasee on May 27, 2025.
Summary
Despite its flaws, ‘Asian Persuasion‘ still offers an entertaining watch. It’s a feel-good, light-hearted rom-com that doesn’t break new ground but provides a solid, if sometimes uneven, experience. If you’re a fan of rom-coms or just enjoy watching strong performances, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t expect it to completely redefine the genre.
