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Harold and Kumar Transcends Race

Films set new standard for concepts of culture

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2008 12:50 PM CDT

(Newser) – Race underscores the stoner misadventures of Harold and Kumar—whose second film comes out tomorrow—but it’s not the point. The movies, about two friends who “just happen not to be white,” set a multicultural standard that Hollywood hasn’t figured out, writes Mark Olsen in the Los Angeles Times. When it comes to cultural issues, “filmgoers are a bit savvier than they are given credit for,” says a co-director.

“Harold and Kumar are sort of beyond race,” says filmmaker Hayden Schlossberg. While one is Korean and the other Indian, "it's totally random,” he said. Race motivates the plot of the new film, in which the pals are mistaken for terrorists—but “the goal for us is to make the audience laugh,” says co-writer/director Jon Hurwitz.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

In this image provided by New Line Cinema, John Cho, left, and Kal Penn, center, are shown with Rob Corddry in a scene from New Line Cinema's "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay." (AP Photo/New Line Cinema, Jaimie Trueblood)

In this image provided by New Line Cinema, John Cho, left, and Kal Penn, are shown in a scene from New Line Cinema's "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay". (AP Photo/New Line Cinema, Jaimie Trueblood)

Directors Jon Hurwitz, left, and Hayden Schlossberg pose as they arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of their film "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay." (AP Photo)

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Trailer for "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay." (haroldandkumar)

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Harold and Kumar Transcends Race