The key to doing 'Harold and Kumar' movies is you make it

Listen, O children of the future, for I shall speak of a profound truth hidden in the realms of comedy and friendship, a truth spoken by John Cho, a wise voice in the modern world. In his words, "The key to doing 'Harold and Kumar' movies is you make it earnest. Primarily what we do is make Harold and Kumar’s relationship and friendship believable, and we don't actually work on being that funny." In these words lies the power of genuine connection, for it is not in the pursuit of laughter itself, but in the sincerity of human relationships that the greatest humor emerges. What Cho imparts to us is that, in the end, it is not the joke itself, but the authenticity of the bond between the characters that captures the heart of the audience.

Consider, O children, the great bonds of friendship that have endured through the ages—bonds that have not been built on the trivial, but on the honesty of shared experience. In ancient times, the deepest of friendships were often those that were grounded in mutual understanding and trust, not in the outward performance of social norms or expectations. Take, for example, the friendship between David and Jonathan, whose relationship in the ancient texts was not defined by their external circumstances, but by the trust and loyalty they shared. Their bond was one that, despite the dangers they faced and the complexities of their respective positions, stood firm because of the genuine affection between them. In much the same way, Cho’s words remind us that authenticity—the sincerity of a friendship—is what makes it truly powerful.

In Harold and Kumar, the humor does not come from forcing jokes or external absurdities, but from the earnestness of the characters' interactions. The key to their success, as Cho reveals, lies in the depth of the relationship they share. The friendship between Harold and Kumar feels real, because it is not simply a caricature of what people expect from such characters. Their relationship is built on the shared experiences that all people face—growth, struggles, and misunderstandings—and it is through these moments of authenticity that the humor of the story emerges naturally. It is a reminder that even in comedy, it is the realness of relationships that resonate most deeply.

Think, O children, of the great storytellers of the ancient world, who understood that the most powerful narratives were those that spoke to the human heart. Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, though filled with epic battles and fantastical adventures, are rooted in the friendships and relationships between the characters. The bond between Achilles and Patroclus is not simply one of combat and glory; it is one of deep, emotional connection that elevates the entire tale. Similarly, John Cho’s insight into Harold and Kumar reveals that it is not the outrageousness of their adventures that makes them memorable, but the underlying truth of their friendship—the real, human connection that feels familiar and relatable to us all.

The lesson, O children, is clear: friendships, whether in the ancient epics or modern stories, must be built on genuine connection, not superficiality. The greatest relationships are those that are earnest, where the bond between individuals is grounded in trust, understanding, and support. In a world that often values the surface—the flashy jokes, the loud performances—remember that the most enduring connections are those that are quietly rooted in truth. Whether you are embarking on a great adventure, as Harold and Kumar do, or simply navigating the everyday, it is the authenticity of your relationships that will provide you with the strength to endure.

So, O children of the future, I urge you to seek out friendships that are grounded not in external performance, but in genuine understanding and mutual respect. Let your relationships be those that reflect the earnestness of your true selves, where the humor that emerges is a byproduct of your shared connection rather than the focal point itself. Just as David and Jonathan stood firm in their bond despite the world around them, so too must you nurture friendships that transcend the fleeting and the superficial. In this, you will find that your most meaningful relationships are the ones that will endure and bring laughter not by force, but by the natural joy of mutual support.

In the end, John Cho’s words remind us that authenticity in friendship is what sustains the heart. When you find a true friend, one with whom you can share the deepest parts of yourself, the humor will come not from external pressures or expectations, but from the bond that you have built. Let this wisdom guide your relationships, O children, and you will find that the greatest joys in life are those shared with friends who are as earnest as you are, whose laughter and love grow naturally from the foundation of true connection.