Let’s make an attempt to highlight some of these themes starting with fathers and daughters, especially Chinese fathers and daughters. Teddy is one of those fathers, whose sole expression love by providing financial of his family versus physical contact. This “love” also feels like a parent’s investment passed on to the children, so they will carry on the family business. But darn those kids and their independence and self-determination. While Sasha loves her lavish lifestyle, deep down what she wanted was a father who was home every evening. It soon plays out, that Teddy wants to pass on his business to Carol and Sasha, while Sasha wants to return home and pursue fashion design.
“Good performances and a simple story about an overly complicated family dynamic…”
Sasha must now come to grips with her place in the family and understand that the family business is not just important to maintain her father’s lifestyle, but also consider the responsibility or burden, Teddy carries to ensure his employees can provide for their families.
Akana is absolutely perfect in the role of Sasha. She understood her role perfectly and shined as the film’s emotional center and lead. She is the star of the film and her talent shines evens brighter set up against veteran Hong Kong actor Richard Ng and Lynn Chen.
Good performances and a simple story about an overly complicated family dynamic all come together making a wonderful story of family. I would be remiss in mentioning that the film may run into problems with the PC-crowd. Women’s liberation has not yet taken hold in China and patriarchy is firmly ensconced in its culture. Millennials may find this display of masculinity just a little distasteful. As a Chinese-American, I found the themes of family, work ethic, and destiny very familiar.
Hear an interview with director Emily Ting on the latest episode of the Film Threat Podcast.
Plus check out this clip from Film Threat’s YouTube channel.
