So what you're saying is that it is impossible for outsiders to learn and understand the culture without experiencing it first hand? Cuz that is nonsense. Empathy, critical thinking, history books, curiosity, skill are just some of the tools available to all, and it is simply a matter of using them well. Perfect example "8th grade." What does Bo Burnham know about being a girl in an 8th grade? Probably not that much, considering he is home schooled and not a girl, yet the film is constantly praised for its "authenticity." There are many other examples as well such "Letters from Iwo Jima", ""Color Purple". None of those filmmakers are from "that culture," yet films speak for themselves. Lulu Wang is wrong.

"Crash" anyone? 2004, Paul Haggis film.

Voiceovers are just like any tool, can be used to a great affect or misused due to lack of creativity.

I find it extremely frustrating and insulting, when VO are used to set up the world the film takes place. I see it all over the place especially in sci fi films (shorts in particular).

Yet if it's used by the likes of Malick or Fincher, well then it's there to convey a completely different point. Fight Club is a great example. A film about consumerism and apathy narrated by a nameless character creates a much more personal emotions and environment from what the film would've been without it. I believe Fincher threatened studios with not doing the film if the VO had been taken out of the script.

I guess my point is that saying VO is lazy is like saying Alexa is the best camera. It is close minded.

Sadly, yes.