Dìdi (弟弟)

“I dream too,” “But watching you and vivian grow up— is My dream,” Theres so much to dissect from this film— a realistic overview of the tumult inside a family who bandaids dysfunctionality with poise. Ypu struggle with the fickle teen angst even despising your mom; meanwhile, she laments over your actions as she is lambasted for beng less of a parent. How you navigate anger, friendship, love is such a crucial point in a teen’s life where discovery molds you for the future. But family is usually brushed off because of newer pursuits— but it’s still your family that will slowly craddle you when life gets ravenous. Like how vivian (who I really related to) would still caress his back as he vomits from a faded situation, how nainai would dote him into cooking his meals for college, and how his mom transitioned her dream of being a painter to simply seeing him grow. I think what his mom said deeply abraded my soul. Maybe Ive heard it before or Ive been in such a situation too. Like how the question being “are you ashamed of me” will never leave an Asian kid’s brain crevices. And hearing “I’m proud of you” from your mother would definitely solidify your vitality. I somehow remember how “it’s your first time living, but its your mom’s first time being a mom too,” from this. I really loved how it ended— tranquility while sharing a meal with your mom. Acting was pretty spot-om too considering Ive evoked feelings from howwwww much my family especially my brother and I have gone thru things all the rifts and yet we still hug each other goodbye. Basta…. I really love this… I love this coming to age film that doesnt really center on the good stuff or that it heavily hinges on romances. The writing, the editing (loved the myspace and the filming vibe). This was more familial and just so enclosing if you get me…..like a hug. A warm hug….