When your mom decides to try online dating for the first time | A Chinese American story
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 มี.ค. 2023
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"Yearning for companionship but failing to connect with her American born daughter, a lonely middle-aged Chinese American immigrant turns to the unlikely world... Of online dating."
Discover Year of the Rat, an award-winning short film starring Lee Chen from Disney+'s "American Born Chinese." An uplifting Asian American story exploring family and connection in the digital age, Year of the Rat is a hilarious, heartwarming, and genuinely moving movie that will have you laugh out loud, shed a tear, and maybe... Even call your mom.
A festival favorite, Year of the Rat premiered to audiences at the 2022 Hawai’i International Film Festival, went on the Chinese American Film Festival where it received a Golden Angel Award, and played at DisOrient 2023 as well as the 2023 Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival.
WATCH TRAILER: • Official Trailer | Yea...
LEARN MORE: www.yearoftheratmovie.com
Dear friend,
Thanks for taking the time to check out our film. It was independently made by a group of dedicated AAPI filmmakers passionate about telling stories from a place of openness and humor. In a landscape overflowing with choices, it means a lot that you're giving our film a chance. We hope you enjoy it.
-Ricky Qi (Writer & Director, www.rickyqi.com)
Year of the Rat
Starring: Lee Chen (Good Trouble, American Born Chinese)
Written and Directed by: Ricky Qi (www.rickyqi.com)
Full Cast & Crew: (www.yearoftheratmovie.com/who...)
Contact: Rickyqi@gmail.com
Trailer: • Official Trailer | Yea... - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
The mum is a terrific actress. I saw so much of the women I know in her expressions and gesture
Lee Chen is amazing! We now affectionately call her “everybody’s mom” now!
I see myself in this very melancholic film. How many single mothers and fathers are out there, trying to raise kids and forgot about ourselves, just to find us eating dinner alone, once the kids are out of the house. I pretty sure there are a lot of people identified with this. Just beautiful film 🎥
Thank you for sharing Anaid. I feel that so much of the loneliness we feel in our current society is structural. In spite of it, I believe if there is an awareness and willingness, a pathway will always be open for us to connect with our children/parents.
@@jigmedadul6440 welcome to the club
Better than failing to launch. Happiest day of my life when I had the house to myself again.
I think it’s very common.
We lost the sense of community that's the real problem, nobody needs anybody anymore and you almost have to book an appointment to see your friend.
My mom, originally from Taipei, died last year, and this sweet film made me miss her in the best way. Thank you for all the effort you put into making it!
Thank you for sharing. ❤️
This was rough, and I mean that as a positive remark. I sympathized deeply with the character of the mother. Her personal sacrifices were limitless, AND she lost her degree/professional standing. But she still had the strength/resiliency to be open to a new opportunity. So admirable.
Thanks for watching. Really glad it resonated with you.
This was suggested to me by TH-cam, I thought it was a trailer and then saw it was 26 minutes but I couldnt stop watching, very well done.
Thank you Catriana, that's a big compliment! Hope you enjoyed the film.
This story resonates with me so much because it's the exact same story with my aunt and her daughter. My aunt, along with her husband, son, and daughter, emigrated from Hong Kong to the US in the 70s and shortly after they arrived, my uncle passed away, leaving her to fend for herself and two kids on her own. She's a tough cookie, worked very hard and managed to send her two kids to college. Her daughter ended up becoming a brilliant doctor but very sadly, she fell ill and died just right before she turned 50, just about a year ago. We miss her everyday. From the side lines, I could see that my aunt and my cousin had their differences, very much like the mother and daughter in this great little film. I only wish they had a chance to make up before my cousin was gone too soon. So to all daughters out there - call your mom and when she offers you dumplings - take them and appreciate them!
I absolutely understand that but not all mothers are that great in reality 😢
Thanks for sharing about your family!
My Chinese mom and grandma, aunts & aunties all have warm like this woman in the film. They would just starve as long as their kids are fed. 😢.
@@521venusNeither are all daughters, sorry to say.
@@conniepun6659 I don’t think all people would believe that but my mother did starve me
The language/cultural difference between immigrant parents and kids is enormous, but this gap will minimize as long as we are willing to learn from each other. Thanks for a great film.
As long as there’s a willingness, there will always be a way to connect. Thanks for watching!
@@qiricky
Well, I taught my son my main language, why because it is important to me to communicate with him in my own language,( now he is an adult and he is the only bilingual in his job)♥️ your children are whatever you want them to be 🤷♀️ my son told me at the age of 3 that he didn’t want to learn Spanish, all I said was, your grandparents are too old too old to learn English, and you have time to learn Spanish and many other things to be better. 🌸 And he did 🙏♥️
@@nomada6789 Good thing then that you know how to speak English. That way at least you will be able to communicate with your English-only grandchildren.
« As long as we are learning from each other » thats a good point.
However im afraid in traditional type of families with vertical hierarchy, the adults actually dont wanna learn from their descendants
the children can learn too
I thought I'll just watch it for a few minutes, but couldn't stop. Laughed and in tears until it ended, as an immigrant mom myself. Thanks for making such a good movie.
Thanks for sharing! It’s comments like yours that make my day!
"I'm just an empty vessel" wow 🥺 Amazing what single parents sacrifice for their kids!
Thanks for commenting. Glad you enjoyed the film!
Im sorry for taking all of your opportunities, mom. I love you with all my heart. I promise I’ll give you back all that you have sacrificed.
❤️
@@qirickyI'm crying my heart out watching this video. thank you so much for making such a great film.
The film is so realistic and the story is true! The mother prioritized hard work to raise the children over some of her needs, the children too are all in study and work - the best way to live that they learned. They are lonely too, isolated from the mother by their responsibilities. The film conveys loneliness very well!
It’s a modern problem that needs modern solutions. Thank you for watching!
This is really sweet and touching.
Although their stories are different, this movie made me think about my grandmother. She was not an immigrant, but she became a widow when she was quite young, while raising 4 girls all alone.
She was born in the South of Italy and never went to school: it was considered a luxury for female children. She started working in the fields at 6 and then married when she was barely 18. She had 4 girls (which was seen as a misfortune at the time) and worked as hard as a mule in order to be sure that her children had everything they need and her husband was not drained, since he was poor health. When her husband passed away, leaving her and the girls in poverty, she became a cleaner in an asylum, while continuing to work in her family fields.
In the end, my mum and one of her sister managed to got a university degree and then established in the North of the country.
She is still in pain because of all the physical fatigue she had to endure during her life and some days she can't even walk. I don't know if she has ever looked for another significant other, but she is still devoted to the memory of my grandfather.
I hope to become as strong as her, both for me and my future family.
P.S. I'm sorry for my poor English, is not my native language.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing about your grandmother. 💕
Your English is perfect 🙌. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story 🙏
damn patriarchy is a joke... I'm sorry she couldn't go to school, and that her daughter weren't perceived as the gift they are
Thinking of your grandmother. May she have relief from pain. I’m so glad you value her. I’m sure she would be so touched to know her story matters so much to her family.
What you wrote was so lovely know it shall touch many hearts….I’m Greek and my grandmother suffered much the same…..bearing eleven children…..forced sadly to marry her first when she was sixteen he thirty. Women bore so much in those times….she was and still remains my hero of what a real woman is and was. Her life was so hard and yet she bore it as her journey and daily even after her husband had passes he was so much older then her in her daily prayers she still prayed for him, never said a bad word……she was very religious and her faith gave her the will to live a long life. I miss her to this day and I was so close to her…..I visited her often she was such a roll model for me. I bless your memory of your story it really touched my heart!
That's so sad. She put herself out there and he took advantage of her. That had to be devastating. I'm glad she had her family to help her. Great short story. I was really emotionally invested. The actors made it seem like we were looking through the lens into someone's real life.
Thanks for sharing Lucy. When we finally work up the courage and allow ourselves to open up, we also let in opportunities to get hurt. I think it's important that when we do get hurt, to process our traumas with those with whom we trust, and to continue to put ourselves out there. Because you never know... Life is full of beautiful surprises!
@@qiricky So true! You always take a risk when you put yourself out there, but we must never stop. When it works out, it's the best thing in the world.
I like that it shows how bad online dating is.
Haha it can’t be as bad as I portrayed it!
Beautiful - had me in tears near the end. Sometimes we forget the sacrifices our immigrant parents make for our happiness and the unconditional love they show us. Thank you for reminding us of that.
It’s easy for both sides to forget the sacrifices we make for each other, but as long as we’re willing, there will always be a chance to understand each other better. Thanks for watching!
@@qiricky
Both sides ?
What sacrifices do the children make ? Not to turn up on thanksgiving /Christmas, then stay for 5 minutes the Next day only to leave because because they're having an adult tantrum.
And it's not "Immigrant" parents, it's parents in general.
Our "parents" no immigration needed for this comment.
@@MikeWildfrog whether immigrants or not, all children strive to please and accommodate their parents to one degree or another. Sometimes that can come from a healthy place, and sometimes it comes from a place of anxiety and loss due to a need to be connected with parents who don’t know how to connect with their kids because of their own unaddressed traumas. I understand how you feel, I’ve been that person you described. But I do think that every relationship is built upon mutual sacrifice. Like the saying goes, “it takes two hands to clap.”
@@qiricky But it takes one to slap
I love how the daughter and mom reconnected...
Glad you enjoyed it!
When the mom sat at the table with all the food. In my mind I was saying “oooh! Someone’s going to be in trouble “ when my mom cooks, especially from scratch she expects me to be at the table when it’s hot! When she yelled and and then got to the ziplock bag I was thinking that the daughter better accept the food.
Oh yeah, haha. I have gotten into some pretty hot water for not accepting food. Thanks for watching Kemille!
As an immigrant mom with a daughter like the one on this film, I could totally relate to this empty nester mom and her relationship to her daughter. Well done!!
Thank you! I’m Im glad you liked it!
So do you also greet your daughter at your door with accusations and recriminations??
Do you sit at home watching soaps in your native language, or do you go out and engage with others around you??
@shelbynamels7948 Lol I saw another comment you made and I'm wondering what is your issue is, geez.
@@BlameAkon My issue?? The mom isolates herself from the world around her, and when the daughter, who has her own life to live, shows up, instead of being happy to see her, showers her with recriminations.
No wonder she is lonely and isolated.
It is such a great short film and it touches our hearts as Asian Americans. It literally made me cry just in 3 minutes after watching it….
Thank you for the kind words Tiffany. I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Yeah, me too. Poor lady.
@@qiricky the dumplings needed a dipping sauce but i like mine grilled.
apart from that great film
I was like « Take the damn dumplings!!! »
Loved it! Especially the cut from the cute couple to mom uploading her profile. 😂
Haha thanks!
Really touching film. I find myself living in Asia in my mid fifties (Man, that came around fast!). I got burned by a liar, the same as Joy, but she took everything before I realised who she really was. Cross cultural relationships are hard work, but loneliness is worse. Joy's character was brilliantly played. I really enjoyed this movie.
Thank you for sharing, I hope that this film gives you hope in your life going forward!
Loneliness is the default condition in life. Learn to be your own best company,
@@shelbynamels7948no, you are referring to being alone.
Hey hello 👋🏻
Hey hello 👋🏻
UPDATE 08/17/23: Over 220,000 of you have seen Year of the Rat, which is to say if this film were screened at a traditional cinema, you could have filled over 730 packed movie theaters. Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined that my humble little film would be seen this way. When I was making it, I had severe doubts as to whether or not anyone would resonate with this story... But I now see and hear you loud and clear, and I'm overwhelmed by the support you have shown.
If you'd like to further your support, please think about "buying me a coffee," or rather, a retrograde movie ticket, so that you can directly support the making of more films such Year of the Rat.
www.buymeacoffee.com/rickyqi
A long time ago, a friend told me that anything made in our world today requires three things: a good idea, good execution, and money.
That's why every dollar donated to creators is a vote for more thoughtful, meaningful stories such as this. They go towards buying time for us, so we can focus on attuning our antennae to stories worth telling, and bring them to you. Once again, thank you for your support!
This is one of the best short films I’ve seen in a long time! I come from a family of immigrant parents and a lot of this resonated with me. Thank you for creating such beautiful work! ✨
Glad you enjoyed it!
I cried. This made me think of my mom. She is Filipino and we don’t see each other enough
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully she and you can find more time going forward. 🫶🏼
I have always been a daughter that believe in never forgetting the debt I owe my parents for giving us life and nurturing us. The least I could do is to give them respect and consideration and once in a while try not to take them for granted!
That’s the best we can do!
Ayyyy! This gave me the feels. The mother-daughter dynamic and the incorrigible bluntness of Chinese parents resonated hard, and the complicated hopefulness of a lonely parent embarking on a new adventure … !!
Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate how you summed it up!
Amazing. The mother-daughter relationship in this movie is very relatable. A very similar pattern can be observed in Korea ,too. Thank you for the beautiful film and soundtracks.
Thank you for watching. Hope this film has encouraged you!
A touching, nuanced story told in such a short time. The actress who played the mother gave a superb performance and she was beautifully filmed!
Thank you! I’ll be sure to pass on your compliments to Lee!
Had a director’s callback for role of David. They hired the right guy, he was great. Wonderful short film. I laughed, cried and was moved. Congrats!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you get called back for many roles in the future!
Extremely relatable. My mother was a single mother and she chose her career over us kids (her words). We are still repairing the damage, it will never be fully undone.
Thank you for sharing. Hope and your family find peace.
I don't really think there's an excuse to not celebrate the one holiday your single parent cares about with them. I don't give a crap about Christmas but I spend it with my partner's family and my partner spends CNY with my family.
“Youth is wasted on the young.” By the end, I hope our characters have learned that.
Okay, for the record there is no way ever any Asian person will deny their mother’s dumplings, ever. Plus, my own mother nags me constantly about what I eat, what I wear, where I’m at and what time am I coming home. I’m 41 year old single woman. 😅
Glad you found something to relate to in this film!
This makes me want to make a dating app for kids to set up their parents online
OMG can we make one together, I’ve been wanting to do the same for my mom.
Haha amazing! Keep us updated!
@@avocadojoy8191 any ideas for a name?
This was one of the best short movies I’ve seen in a long time. It evoked so much emotion in me. So so good!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!
Ugh I teared up almost right from the get go with Joy eating alone on CNY. Dont want to imagine my mom going through that. Well done.
Thank you Karen. Hope you enjoyed it!
reminds me of my chinese mom & grandma 💔 as much as i can’t stand their nagging and hurtful statements and constant criticism, i still wept at this and the thought of them feeling lonely. i know in reality i most likely won’t be able to retain a relationship with them forever as i am about to start HRT but god…if we could just find a way to connect and set boundaries so that we still could still be in each other’s lives somehow 💔 as much as they have hurt me i know that they were just doing their best. i know that they are just loving me the only way they know how to. i don’t want to completely cut them off from my life. i know i don’t have to, but i am willing to to sacrifice my sanity the way they have sacrificed their time, energy, and money into me growing up ❤️ i want us to love each other, as flawed as that love may be ❤️ i love you mom. i love you grandma
Thank you for sharing. Connecting and setting boundaries is a never ending process of finding out what works! Keep trying🌞
That lonely dinner scene made me want to call my mom 💔 Beautiful film
Thanks for sharing 0bia. Hope you ended up calling her!
Obia! Call your mom!
My life is like the mom in this short film, but I understand my son has a life and a job and responsibilities. I don’t have it in my heart to guilt him by reminding him what I’ve done for him. What I did I did for love and never expecting anything in return. I want his love and attention but not at the expense of pity.
Thanks for sharing. Appreciate it!
I watched it with my teenage son. We laughed and I was in tears when she got her daughter's understanding. Hope to see more of this short film to help us learn to communicate to be understood
Thank you Sprosa, I’m really happy you both got to enjoy it together!
This was very well done. TH-cam algorithm sent me here and I'm very thankful.
The Chinese American representation was very authentic. This type of film needs to get a wider audience.
Did you submit to CAAMFest 2023? It's running right now in San Francisco.
Thanks. I appreciate your kind words. I did submit but didn’t get in! Glad it’s found a home here on TH-cam though!
Ricky - I'm sorry to hear that. This was very well done and I'd like to see more Asian American films of this caliber and material.
I just watched Dealing with Dad last week and thought it was good but you conveyed so much more emotion in your short film.
Can you recommend any other Asian American films/directors similar to your quality? I'd like to go down that rabbit hole.
I’d recommend Christopher Yip’s Streams Flow From a River, as well as any works by the Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda!
@@qirickyI love Kore-eda 🤍 I Wish is one of my favorite movies ever.
What a great actress! I believed I was watching MY mother. And I felt everything the character was feeling. Terrific everyday story telling. Great camera work and editing. And congrats on making the 'sets' and production values so full and real. top notch production all around.
Haha! Amazing! I hope she reads this! glad you enjoyed it and found resonance!
As a Taiwanese American who grew up with immigrant parents in the suburbs of LA, it was relatable to see the cultural and generational differences in this short film. Thank you for telling our stories.
Thank you for the kind words Alex! I have a similar background as you, and wanted to make a film that showed some form of optimism toward these kinds of relationships, in spite of all the difficulties we encounter. I appreciate your comment!
@@qiricky You did great at capturing just that. Happy AAPI month!
Thank you! Happy AAPI month!
the fridge at the end is so relatable. a good reminder of how immigrant parents will show their love and what they sacrifice.
Really happy you felt that way. Thanks for watching and sharing.
loved this thoughtful and heartwarming film. I was engaged the whole time with the main character who I cared about during times with daughter and on line dating efforts.
Thank you for the kind words Sheila!
@@qiricky keep up the great work! I hope it's ok I am sharing it in a film studies class that I teach..
@@sheilalaffey6 go for it!
This was so touching and relatable. Really reminded me of my relationship with my mom before she passed. Truly an touching short film and great acting!
Lee Chen, our lead was such a pleasure to work with! I'm glad you related to it, and it was able to remind you of your mom! Thanks for sharing!
To be honest, I accidentally clicked on the video but I could not stop watching it all. I love it so much. It is a great short film and I felt that my different emotions were dancing through the flow of story. I am looking forward to see more of your creative work!! :)
Btw, I have decided to try to make some dumplings from scratch for my family as the mom did. Since my grand mom died 30 years ago, I have never had homemade dumplings. I missed her so much and I deeply appreciate her love and care for me.
Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you’re making your mother’s food. Sometimes the act of even trying to cook something our parents made helps take us back and feel their love. Even better when you can share with your family and create new memories!
So good! Love all the little details… like how the mom was starting to spell out Stephen’s name, and the daughter found him right away… and when the mom flushed the toilet. Perfection! Bravo on an honest, humorous, and hopeful film.
I appreciate that you noticed those things! Thank you!
My heart breaks when I see the mother alone at the table.
🥲
So refreshing. Joyfull, not too heavy, optimistic, reconnected. I liked it very much. Thank you for filming it.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Beautifully portrayed relationships...and lack of them. Thank you.
Thank you Heather!
This was so good I really enjoyed this. I cried I felt happy. I just wanted her to be happy. And this made me crave dumplings
Thank you! Now go get some!
This is one of the best films I've seen in a long time. It hit me at so many levels. From the online dating to desire to take care of my mom. Amazing!
Thank you. These words mean the world to me, and I’m really glad you enjoyed it on so many levels!
i just teared when she refused to take the dumplings and drove off, how hurtful was that to the mom :(((
🥲🥲
A very straightforward and clear cut Asian-American culture. Love it. Btw, PT school is not 2 years, it must be PTA. And, I’m bawling. It’s 8am. 😅😅😅
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it!
I’m at 17:25… wasn’t thinking I’d still be watching this far in, but it drew me in right away. I stopped though because I care so much about the mom character and I’m afraid she’s going to get hurt! I’ll come back to it when I’m in a less sensitive mood… 😅
Haha for sure! Take your time!
I crying when I saw the big bag of dumplings 🥟. My mom always did the same thing.
Thank you for the kind words Su Fei, I’m really glad you enjoyed it.
This was beautiful and so relatable, it felt like watching my mom and her experience of online dating right now.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Beautiful storytelling. Love how intricate and piercing this film is.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I think it’s really sweet that you replied personally to each and every comment. Even the rude and brash ones. You were so polite in replying to those.
You have a great future ahead of you. Best of luck!
P.S. I haven’t watched the short film yet but I will. Today.
Thank you for the kind words! I’m happy that this film has found its audience! Hope you enjoy it!
One of the best short movies I have ever watched!
One thing though, too old fashioned they depicted the Mum, as I am about the same age I know. It's we who opened up the internet era, remember? She must have been learning computer since her college in China. With that clumsy on keyboard she'd never have graduated 😅😅
Thank you for the compliment! Re: the mom, she might just be playing 4D chess with those prospective dates!
Love this short film. Made me think what my life will be like once my child grows up. Being a single mum isn't easy. I tried online dating years ago and faced the same challenges of preconceived notions of Asian women. Gave up. Watching this made me reconsider trying again.
Do it!
I hear you - I can't imagine how it must be being a single mum. Online dating can need some work and time but there are still good people there to be met. I have been with my caring and understanding partner for eight years now. It took me different periods of doing online dating over years (I took breaks away from it when I needed to have a rest!) and different platforms before I met him. The last 3 weddings I have been to were also couples that had met each other online. If you choose to keep going with online dating (whenever the time is right for you), I hope for you that you find someone who fits well with what you want for yourself. Take care and all the best to you and your family.
Well, it depends if you want to be called yourself empty vessel. And how important a romantic relationship is. In the same time it is up to you to find and keep friends that treat you and invite you, keeps you as your family. With these kind of friends noone will be deceived and treated over phone. And feel alone as well. Of course, it depends on your personality, if you feel alone even though you have friends around without a romantic relationship you can suit yourself.
So much of life is figuring out who we are. Because in the end, that’s who we spend the most time with.
Captured the mother daughter experience spot on, great short film!
I'm happy you enjoyed the film Bay. Appreciate it!
Beautiful film. Really enjoyed the cinematography. Many immigrant families can relate.
Thank you for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.
Beautiful film! The acting was amazing. I'm not experiencing this lifetime as an Asian American, but I can relate. We're all people. Also, I don't have any children, but I resonated with metaphor of the plants and having to choose one to water. I was in tears because I understood so well. I watered my spiritual growth which has paid off a thousand fold. However, I haven't dated in eight years. I'm excited to begin watering the other plant. Thank you and many blessings!
Thank you for your amazing comment! I appreciate you sharing and I’m glad you enjoyed the film and that you took away something for yourself from it!
Loved it! The story line is so accurate and realistic. I like how you guys portray the mom's dating journey. It's not just a one shot experience to find Mr. Right. There are a lot online creeps and dating "etiquette" that the mom needs to learn. Hope you guys continue to make more great stories!
Thank you for the compliments! Glad you enjoyed the movie!
When Joy speaks with her daughter and during texting, her english seems so bad. But when she speaks with David, she's super fluent XD. But still it's a very nice film.
Haha that was intentional! It’s called code-switching! Glad you enjoyed it!
This is such a beautiful film! It made me cry and and laugh and think of my mum, I’m a Vietnamese Australian girl in New York and my mum is in Australia so I miss her so much. Thank you for creating such a great piece of art
Thank you for sharing. Glad it resonated with you! Go call her!
I’m also single and was eye opening as I’ve had these types sad men do what they’ve done to this amazing woman…..despite she was an actor… there’s such truth in this story and I’ve asked myself countless times “why are there not more GOOD MEN AROUND WHO VALUE HOW TO TREAT A WOMAN?!”
This was beautifully done, and said so so much to everyone about not only dating but the loneliness of losing a partner and trying to find a connecting to love again and hope!
Thanks for watching and sharing!
@@qiricky you are so welcome. I have never been so moved by a video and I watched it again today I’m a music teacher with lots of Asian clients also identifying a lot with their stories and I wish there was more like this because we need to understand the Asian culture every culture but this was very moving and I sent it to at least 10 more people today so I want to thank you so much and I’m looking so forward that you will do this again with another wonderful short.!
Even down to the Mom choosing 2 years of PT school. My Mom chose to be a radio tech after immigrating to raise me and my sister. Thank you for making this. Wow, what a powerful film.
I’m glad it resonated with you, there’s much to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing!
So well done and touching. Thank you. The actors (especially the lead are so talented.
Thank you!
Good short movie touched my heart one Asian New Zealand heart
Thank you! Kia ora!
Bravo! This was very well done. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you very much!
A story told brilliantly. Best short film I have watched in a long time. Well curated. No detail gone missing. Impeccable acting. Kudos !
Thank you for the incredible compliment! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
12:24 is relatable to me. My grandmother was a dentist and oral surgeon in Moscow during the Soviet Union. She worked as a home aide here before she retired
Edit: she also chose to not pursue accreditation in the US so that she and my grandfather could take care of my cousins, my sister, and I so that my aunt and my mom could pursue education in the us and work full time. So much sacrifice in immigrant families
Thanks for sharing. Really appreciate you sharing your family’s story. It’s countless acts like this that gave us the opportunities to be where we are today.
What a beautiful story to tell about a mother/woman/immigrant. Thank you for the great short movie!
Thank you Yingjie!
Good reminder for me to appreciate the food my mom ‘force’ me to take home when I visit. I know she puts all her heart into cooking them.
Thanks for sharing. Love comes in so many forms, we sometimes aren’t able to recognize it in the moment. Glad you had that realization for yourself. Thanks for watching.
I cried watching this.. Bravo!! 👏👏👏🎬
Thank you! Glad it resonated with you!
Such a funny show..i had a good laugh...the mum is so cute..❤😂thanks for sharing i enjoyed it..❤
Thanks so much for watching!
Mom: “I am busy. I am on a date. Bye!”
Love it
Haha sassy.
I love this film. So quiet and subtle. So much truth to be found here, much of it uncomfortable.
Really appreciate your comment. Thanks for watching.
Oh no! I feel for her... And all the parents that give their all and then are looking for that special person to share their lives with. ❤❤❤
Glad it resonated with you! Thanks for watching!
Whether single or married, native or migrant, kids growing up is the beginning of your freedom. You've done well. Congratulate on yourself. You can live freely now to be a full fledged person. Move out of the selfmade restrictions about life.
This is great! Thanks for sharing!
A lovely short film. Well acted and put together. Thank you everyone.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!
So true, we pour every drop of ourselves into our children. When they leave, (which I always encouraged because there is so much to see), its a rough transition. You know its coming but when it does, you can feel lost and empty....I've raised two great, independent and kind people. Now its time for me to find my identity again...Loved this film. Thankyou💙🌎 All moms are moms, no matter what culture we come from. This relates to us all...😊 I also had to realize that they weren't little anymore, and I had to start talking to them like they were grown, and reveal a bit about myself. We're getting there. Now moving to be able to be in their lives as adults. Big change but I'm ready and excited..
Thank you for sharing that. Sometimes I have to remind myself: like our children, we are always growing too. Best of luck with the change!
You will find being friends as an adult to your adult children will bring joy.
Relatable as a 1st generation immigrant with children. Made me think what life would be like after my kids grow up and leave home..
Definitely, same. That was the initial spark for this film.
Very touching. I cried when the mom and daughter sat down and talk/communicate. Subscribed. Looking forward to more great works from you.
Thanks Macybrown! I'm glad that the film resonated with you, and I'm looking forward to making more films!
This made me tear up...I feel like I can identify as the daughter. I come home and get yelled at for a mistake I made. I don't intend to be mean but sometimes it comes off that way and at the point, with rage and anger, it's hard to bury and I just know how to run away.
They said don't pour everything into one basket...I cannot imagine. Having kids is so tough. You care for them, they grow up and have their own lives, and the parent is left lonely :(
Thanks for sharing. This is exactly how I feel with my parents, and what I wanted to convey.
If their entire lives revolve around their children, then yes. But from the moment they are born, the intent is for them to independently go their own way. That is what raising children is all about.
I was shaking my head when at the very beginning the mother was greeting her daughter at the door with a shower of abuse and recriminations. If that is what awaits her every time she visits, it is no wonder she will grasp at every excuse to not see her mom.
You’re right. But the countries from which many immigrants arrive are still far behind the west in development. My mom used to say she didn’t understand just how important psychology was for self-development until she took introductory classes in grad school. Those of us who are privileged to understand these concepts stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, who took the initial step of faith while still in the dark.
the opening scene where the mom is preparing the dumplings got me hooked. it was shot so beautifully.
Thank you! We had a lot of fun shooting it! If you like that, I recommend TH-cam searching for the opening to Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. That’s the best food opening I’ve ever seen in a movie, never fails to make my mouth water!
@@qiricky holy Jesus in wheels! that scene woaaaah!!! it's midnight in Hong Kong and I'm craving Chinese food!
@@keesmuch I knowww! I'd go get some food ASAP if I were you :P
Wow, Ricky, this is such a great piece of work. And right there in the Bay area. Makes me miss home. keep up the great work. We need more Asian-American artists like you.
Thanks Cecilia, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
What a wonderful story, quite beautiful, like a sweet fable. X:)
Thank you!
Great film. Reminds me of that classic 20 years ago--yeah you know which one--about the relationship between 4 mothers and their 4 daughters. This one was a tear-jerker too...
Thank you so much! That’s a massive compliment! Glad you enjoyed it!
Totally caught me off guard. Great job!!! Very well done.
Thanks Micaela! Glad it surprised you in a good way!
What an incredible and well told story! The relationship between the mother and the daughter is so complex and masterfully developed on screen
Thank you Seth! I appreciate your kind words and your support! 🙏
I am Irish American, I grew up in the states, and my dad remarried a woman from Korea, I cannot tell you how much she meant to me as she showed more concern and care than my own mom who was born and raised in the US. I also am married to a Vietnamize woman going on 35 years. To see this breaks my heart! To be so disobedient and dishonor such a good and kind person and mother. You don't know how good you have it. I love her!! I would love to have her as a mom.
Thanks for sharing! I’m so glad this reminded you of your stepmother! Despite the cultural and the generational barriers that stand in the way between us and our parents, I know that we can find ways to show our love and respect to each other in a way the other party can understand and accept!
This is amazing! I was sucked in right from the get go. You tell so much story in 26min and the attention to detail is fantastic. The dried out plant at the end was a great touch. Keep it up!
Thank you Karl, we wondered if anyone would clock them, I’m glad you noticed those details.
Wonderful... delicate and precious.
Thank you!
What a beautiful piece of art. Loved watching that, will make sure my parents watch it too! The video chat at the beginning with Mark was quite entertaining. Fantastic story-line, beautiful music and the actresses were fabulous. Well done!
Thank you so much Chrissie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🫶🏼
I love theses kind of short films. Keep them coming!!!
Thanks!
This is incredibly heartwarming, grounded, and sweet! I loved it. I even laughed out loud a time or two. Really wonderful short
Thanks Katie! I'm glad you had a good time! That's what we're all here for! Appreciate the watch!