They're not kidding about the effects on some Asian people. I once dated an Asian girl who had two glasses of wine with dinner, went betroot red and fell off her chair.
She later (embarrassed beyond belief) admitted that she couldn't handle alcohol but thought she could get through it because I ordered a bottle and didn't want to seem unsocial.
Being Asian, I also have a similar effect. I don't get drunk, but rather I go from being a little buzzed or tipsy to hung over. I get pounding headaches and I always want to fall asleep. If I'm lucky, I'll find a beer/wine/spirit that I can nurse for most the night and be okay. Once I get over the tipping point (depends on the alcohol oddly enough), then I go straight into headache mode.
I've also tried Pepcid AC and that works wonders for my condition. Not sure how that affects my system, but I get to experience the different stages of alcohol when I take a pill or two before drinking.
She later (embarrassed beyond belief) admitted that she couldn't handle alcohol but thought she could get through it because I ordered a bottle and didn't want to seem unsocial.