Rating 7/10
Certain films can transport audiences to a particular era so convincingly that, despite portraying sensitive events or featuring individuals who behave badly, they still captivate through their authenticity. Dìdi (弟弟), which is Mandarin for “younger brother,” achieves this by presenting natural characters, flaws and all. Its sheer verisimilitude won me over.
Dìdi is a seemingly aimless collection of vignettes about growing up during the summer of 2008. Chris Wang (Izaac Wang), a 13-year-old Taiwanese American, is affectionately called Wang Wang by his friends. An amateur videographer, he enjoys uploading silly YouTube videos, such as blowing up a neighbor’s mailbox with a firecracker. His inner circle includes girl-crazy Fahad (Raul Dial) and loudmouth Jimmy (Aaron Chang), also known as Soup. Chris often clashes with his older sister, Vivian (Shirley Chen). He disrespects his mother, Chungsing. She is portrayed by actress Joan Chen, one of the few names in the cast. Chungsing tries to maintain peace while her husband works overseas in Thailand to support their American dream. Chris’ paternal grandmother, Nai Nai (Chang Li Hua), frequently gives her opinions, and Chris tolerates her overbearing personality. Madi (Mahaela Park) is the girl at school who adds another layer to his burgeoning feelings. After a fallout with his core clique, Chris meets a group of skaters (Chiron Cillia Denk, Sunil Maurillo, Montay Boseman). They welcome him into their fold and perhaps Chris can put his camera skills to the test.
Dìdi is a heartfelt reflection from director Sean Wang on his upbringing in Fremont, California, through the eyes of a 13-year-old boy. This feature film debut follows his 2024 Oscar-nominated documentary short Nai Nai & Wài Pó, made as a love letter to his grandmothers. Born in 1994, the filmmaker offers a remarkably accurate portrayal of Millennials living in the culturally diverse Bay Area who grew up when MySpace was the dominant social media platform. The saga highlights the universal difficulties of being a teenager, compounded by the challenges of being a first-generation American.
The most prevalent piece of advice for creatives is arguably, “Write what you know.” Writer-director Sean Wang has drawn from his memories to create a sincere portrait. The cast, primarily first-time actors from the Bay Area, bring these personalities to life with such truth that they feel more like real people than actors playing a part. Each character, with their unique quirks, has redeeming qualities. For instance, Chris’s paternal grandmother, Nai Nai, is a spitfire when she speaks her mind.
Chris’s awkwardness makes him endearing, but he also behaves like the child he is, doing some unlikeable things. He does something pretty heinous to his sister’s skin lotion and he treats his mother rather poorly. At least his skater buddies call him out on it. This meandering narrative has no clear destination other than delivering some honest and amusing recollections. Millennials, especially from the Bay Area, will undoubtedly see themselves in these experiences, and the sincerity and heart will touch all viewers. It’s the unfiltered emotion that leaves a lasting impression.
08-06-24