Movies

Review: A California boy searches for a sense of self over one summer in the exquisite ‘Dìdi’

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Review: A California boy searches for a sense of self over one summer in the exquisite 'Dìdi'

As a devoted cinephile, I have seen my fair share of coming-of-age stories set in the late ’90s and early ’00s. But Sean Wang’s directorial debut, “Dìdi,” stands out as a poignant and authentic exploration of this transitional moment in life. Growing up in the Bay Area during that era, I could relate to Chris (Izaac Wang)’s plight – the identity crisis, the family pressure, and the shifting landscape of friendships.

During the Y2K era, Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 sang a sorrowful chorus that resonated deeply: “This must be growing up.” The band’s popular song “Dammit,” released in 1997, predates Sean Wang’s directorial debut, “Dìdi” (set in Fremont, Calif., in 2008), by a decade. However, the poignant message of maturing expressed through pop-punk music remains relevant to this coming-of-age story.

As a movie buff, I’d rephrase it like this: Izaac Wang, our leading character and I, are navigating a complex summer transition – the one before high school freshman year. Our identities are up for grabs, teetering on uncertain ground as we face personal insecurities, unstable friendships, and family expectations. The movie shows us this internal turmoil through Chris’s multiple names and nicknames.

In my admiration, I’ve noticed how his mother and grandmother affectionately call him “Didi” or “little brother” in Mandarin. Meanwhile, his middle school friends have given him playful nicknames like “Wang Wang.” Yet, as he navigates through the Northern California summer feeling lost, he experiments with introducing himself as “Chris,” a name that feels more like who he wants to be.

As a movie buff, I’d describe it this way: In “Didi,” a film based on my own experiences, I focus the lens of my camera on a particular stage of life – those fleeting months that last only a couple of months. I magnify every awkward moment and brief burst of joy that comes with this age. Previously, I delved into my Taiwanese American heritage for the Oscar-nominated documentary short “Nai Nai & Wài Pó,” which featured my grandmothers, one of whom makes an appearance in “Didi” as Chris’ grandmother.

Alongside the unique cultural and geographical aspects, Wang explores the distinct visual and auditory landscape where the tale unfolds. The group of friends, whose backgrounds are a blend of East and Southeast Asian American families, have grown up in an electronic world adorned with MySpace Top 8 lists, band merchandise, and AOL Instant Message notifications. The movie initiates with a blurry, pixelated YouTube clip of Chris and his companions vandalizing a mailbox, their faces frozen in time as they flee, expressions filled with delight and mischief.

I follow Wang’s creative exploration of Chris’ life, which is as vibrant online as it is offline. The blend of media used by Wang mirrors the internal conflicts Chris experiences himself. The grainy, low-res DV footage of Chris’ pranks and skate tricks that he shares online stands in stark contrast to the crisp, intimate close-ups captured by cinematographer Sam A. Davies. In real life, my interactions with Chris are clumsy and naive, but his online chats are fueled by relentless Google and Facebook searches, giving him a confidence that eludes him in person. With so much of his existence filtered through computer screens, Chris struggles to connect when face-to-face.

In addition to social media, race and culture significantly impact his experiences and perspective on life. Wang skillfully weaves this theme throughout the narrative, enabling viewers to observe how Chris handles his Asian American identity. Interacting with his Korean and Pakistani companions poses fewer challenges, but when in the company of white and Black skater friends and their clique, he feels uncomfortable with the label “Asian Chris.” He even attempts to change it, but this only leads to unwanted consequences.

I absolutely adore the way “Didi” portrays the unintentional blunders of Chris in his pursuit of connection. For instance, I’ve found myself in similar situations where I’ve accidentally blocked messages from someone I like instead of confessing my feelings. Or perhaps deleting videos of new friends because one didn’t turn out perfect. And let’s not forget the explosive anger I’ve felt towards a classmate during tutoring sessions.

Sean Wang’s dedication to portraying reality results in open-ended storylines that mirror the unfinished nature of life itself. Characters like Chris make mistakes, struggle, and attempt to rectify situations, yet not all conclusions are tidy. He advances, seeking self-discovery and security, cherishing fleeting moments of bonding and liberation. Friends may fade away, but family endures. We observe Chris’s progression towards understanding the essence of maturation – a complex and profound process.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-07-26 14:02

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