12 Classic Movies That Got Away With Problematic Scenes
6. Mr Yunioshi - Breakfast At Tiffany’s
Breakfast At Tiffany’s is a classic movie, with Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly one of the most iconic characters ever put on film.
It’s a wonderful examination of the lives and natures of people, and was ahead of its time with a female lead who was overtly feminine yet had complete agency of her own storyline.
It also has one of the worst examples of yellowface in cinema history.
Yellowface is essentially blackface but for Asians; particularly Korean, Japanese and Chinese characters. Modern day examples typically involve white actors playing characters who were written as Asian, like Scarlett Johansson in Ghost In The Shell or Emma Stone in Alola. Still something which should be avoided, but not obnoxiously offensive.
Back when Breakfast At Tiffany’s came out in 1961 though, it involved Micky Rooney wearing big fake teeth, slapping yellow face paint on and talking in a ridiculous accent.
Rooney apologised for any offence but also defended his portrayal when asked about it in 2008, saying he was hired as a comedy actor to be over the top.
He did admit that he wouldn’t have done the role had he known people would be upset, but strangely said he forgave those who’d taken offence to it.