There’s an exciting new addition to the coming-of-age genre that has been making waves recently. The film, Dìdi, directed by Sean Wang in his impressive feature debut, breaks away from traditional narratives to present a unique perspective. It tells the story of an impressionable 13-year-old Taiwanese American boy Chris Wang (a.k.a Wang Wang), who, during the last month of summer before high school begins, learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt, and how to love his mom.
Set in the quiet Northern Californian town of Fremont in 2008, Wang Wang’s summer is filled with all the typical experiences of an adolescent. From fighting with his sister, rolling his eyes at his mother, to blowing up mailboxes with his friends Fahad and Soup, he is the embodiment of an average 13-year old boy. However, beneath the ordinary exterior, Wang Wang is struggling to find his identity. In the melting pot of Fremont, he is a chameleon who can’t quite find his shade. The only person who truly recognizes and loves him for who he is is his mom, Chungsing.
But Dìdi isn’t your typical teenage love story. It’s not about a boy getting the girl. It’s a journey of self-discovery where Wang Wang doesn’t exactly come of age as much as trip and stumble his way through an endless teenage summer. It’s about the journey towards understanding and accepting the loving gaze of an immigrant mother, whose greatest pride and most animated dreams rest in her child.
A significant aspect of Dìdi is its exploration of shame—personal, cultural, and societal—and how these elements can prevent a child from feeling like they belong. Wang didn’t want to write an “Asian American story,” but rather a story about an Asian American kid that was true to his version of growing up in a predominantly Asian enclave in mid aughts America.
Drawing from his personal memories and experiences, Wang brings authenticity to the story. He emphasizes the role of love and pride in one’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance. “I realized if I’m exploring shame through the lens of comedy and friendship, what’s the opposite of shame?” Wang reflects. “It’s love and pride. That thought became: well, the most love and the most pride and the most shame and the most of every emotion in my life that I’ve ever felt is because of the relationship I have with my mom.”
In this way, Dìdi is more than a coming-of-age film—it’s a heartfelt tribute to immigrant mothers and their unwavering love and pride for their children. It also provides a much-needed representation for Asian-American kids and children of immigrants, filling a gap that Wang himself noticed growing up.
The film captures the essence of 2008—a pivotal moment for technology and culture—and resonates across diverse communities. From the skateboarding community to Asian-American communities, to those raised by immigrant parents regardless of their ethnicity, to something as specific as the community of Fremont, California, the film has something for everyone.
Dìdi boasts a talented ensemble cast including Izaac Wang (Clifford the Big Red Dog, Good Boys), Joan Chen (The Last Emperor, Heaven and Earth), Chang Li Hua (Nai Nai & Wai Po), and Shirley Chen (Quiz Lady). It premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival where it won the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award and Special Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Cast.
In conclusion, Dìdi is a fresh and authentic addition to the coming-of-age genre. Sean Wang has created a film that is not only entertaining but also emotionally resonant, providing a candid look at adolescence, the immigrant experience, and the enduring bond between a mother and her son. With its universal themes and relatable characters, Dìdi is set to touch the hearts of audiences worldwide.
