Poppy Liu on Fashion, Anti-Capitalism, and ‘I Love Boosters’
In an interview with Vogue, Poppy Liu discusses her role as Jianhu in Boots Riley's crime comedy 'I Love Boosters,' which critiques capitalism through a glamorous, anti-capitalist lens. Liu, known for 'Hacks,' portrays a former Chinese factory worker who joins a shoplifting crew in the Bay Area. She emphasizes the film's themes of class solidarity and global solidarity between the US and China, describing Jianhu's radicalization as she fights for labor rights. Liu praises the costume design by Shirley Kurata and Lindsey Hartman, highlighting the hyper-maximalist, colorful aesthetic. She contrasts shoplifting from corporations versus mom-and-pop stores, arguing that capitalism protects corporations over people. Liu also expresses excitement about New York Mayor Mamdani's policies, seeing them as proof that social services can be funded without cutting. The interview was edited and condensed.
Key facts
- Poppy Liu stars as Jianhu in Boots Riley's film 'I Love Boosters.'
- The film is a crime comedy with anti-capitalist themes.
- Jianhu is a former Chinese factory worker who joins a shoplifting crew in the Bay Area.
- Liu worked with costume designers Shirley Kurata and Lindsey Hartman.
- The film critiques capitalism and promotes class solidarity.
- Liu distinguishes between shoplifting from corporations and mom-and-pop stores.
- Liu supports New York Mayor Mamdani's policies on debt and social services.
- The interview was published by Vogue.
Entities
Artists
- Poppy Liu
- Boots Riley
- Shirley Kurata
- Lindsey Hartman
- Naomi Ackie
- Keke Palmer
- Taylour Paige
Institutions
- Vogue
Locations
- Bay Area
- United States
- China
- New York