Dìdi

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 19, 2024 (Sundance)
July 26, 2024 (United States, Limited)
August 16, 2024 (United States, Wide)

Genre
Coming-of-Age Comedy Drama

Cast & Crew

• Izaac Wang as Chris Wang
• Shirley Chen as Vivian Wang
• Chang Li Hua as Nai Nai
• Joan Chen as Chungsing Wang
• Raul Dial as Fahad Mahmood
• Aaron Chang as Jimmy “Soup” Kim
• Mahaela Park as Madi
• Chiron Denk as Donovan
• Sunil Maurillo as Cory
• Montay Boseman as Nugget
• Georgie August as Georgia
• Jayden Chiang as Max
• Spike Jonze as Dead Squirrel (voice)
• Stephanie Hsu as Kissing Tutorial Instructor
• Alaysia Simmons as Ellie

Director
Sean Wang

Producer

• Sean Wang
• Josh Peters
• Carlos López Estrada
• Valerie Bush

Writer
Sean Wang

Production Company

• AntiGravity Academy
• Spark Features
• Unapologetic Projects
• Maiden Voyage Pictures

Distributed By
Focus Features

Running Time
91 minutes

Languages
English, Mandarin

Content Advisory

• Mild language
• Teenage themes
• Family dynamics

Movie Story
“Dìdi,” which translates to “Younger Brother” in Chinese, is a heartwarming coming-of-age comedy-drama that explores the life of 13-year-old Chris Wang (Izaac Wang) as he navigates the challenges of adolescence in the summer of 2008. Set in Fremont, California, the film captures the complexities of growing up in a multicultural household with his mother Chungsing (Joan Chen), demanding grandmother Nai Nai (Chang Li Hua), and older sister Vivian (Shirley Chen), who is preparing to leave for college. With his father working in Taiwan, Chris is left to cope with the changes in his family dynamics while finding his own path.

Chris spends his days making silly YouTube videos with his best friends, Fahad and Soup, and developing a crush on Madi, a classmate with whom he starts corresponding on AIM and Facebook. However, his awkward attempts at romance lead to a series of missteps, including an embarrassing date that strains his budding relationship with Madi. Simultaneously, Chris struggles with his friendships, especially after he commits a social faux pas during a group hangout, causing tension within the group.

As the summer progresses, Chris witnesses the tension between his mother and grandmother over his father’s absence, which adds to the emotional weight he carries. His relationship with his sister Vivian also faces challenges, but as she prepares to leave for UC San Diego, the siblings share a heartfelt moment of reconciliation. Chris’s involvement with a group of older skateboarders brings a new set of adventures and troubles, culminating in a party where he tries alcohol and marijuana for the first time, only to be saved by Vivian when things go awry.

The film reaches its emotional climax when Chris, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of his family and social life, runs away for a night. Upon returning home, he and his mother share a poignant conversation about her dreams and sacrifices, leading Chris to a deeper understanding of his family’s love and expectations. On the first day of high school, Chris attempts to mend his relationships, joining a visual arts club and beginning to find his place in the world. “Dìdi” beautifully captures the trials and triumphs of adolescence, offering a sincere and relatable portrayal of a young boy’s journey to self-discovery.

Special Effects
“Dìdi” relies on naturalistic cinematography to capture the everyday moments of Chris’s life, using practical effects and authentic settings to create an immersive and relatable atmosphere. The film’s visual style reflects the nostalgia and simplicity of the late 2000s, enhancing the story’s emotional depth.

Filming Locations

• Fremont, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes growing up means learning to let go, even when it’s hard.” – Chungsing Wang
• “The best dreams are the ones you never planned for.” – Chris Wang

Behind-the-Scenes
“Dìdi” marks the directorial debut of Sean Wang, who also wrote and produced the film. The project was filmed in Fremont, California, with a cast primarily composed of first-time actors from the Bay Area. The film was selected for the 2023 Sundance Institute Screenwriting & Directors Lab and received support from the 2022 SFFILM Rainin Grant. The movie’s authentic portrayal of Asian-American life in the suburbs reflects Wang’s personal experiences, bringing a genuine and heartfelt perspective to the screen.

Awards

• Audience Award: U.S. Dramatic (2024 Sundance Film Festival)
• U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award: Ensemble (2024 Sundance Film Festival)

Final Verdict
“Dìdi” is a touching and relatable coming-of-age story that resonates with audiences of all ages. With standout performances, particularly from Izaac Wang and Joan Chen, the film delivers a poignant narrative about family, identity, and the trials of growing up. Sean Wang’s directorial debut is both charming and insightful, making “Dìdi” a must-watch for fans of heartfelt indie films.

Image Source: by Focus Features