Dìdi (弟弟)  is the directorial debut from Sean Wang that had its premiere at Sundance 2024. We attended Sundance but were unable to watch the film due to scheduling. Nonetheless, almost 6 months later we finally got a chance to watch this film. The film stars Izaac Wang and Joan Chen. Set in 2008, it follows a 13-year-old Taiwanese American as he navigates growing up.

I first want to say as someone who grew up going to high school around this time period, the film really hit. There were many moments that really brought me back. Sean Wang was able to really capture not only the time but the emotional atmosphere of those days. A film that is not only a personal story but feels like a time capsule of the early to mid 2000’s. The music, the scenes, and of course the technology filled me with nostalgia. I was initially worried that Wang would just rely on this throughout but quickly found out that wasn’t the case. Sean instead chooses to give us the best representation of being a teenager during this time. Growing up during this era felt exciting, cringy, confusing and anger fueled.

The family dynamic felt very personal but at the same time one could relate. All of this is achieved through the well written script and subtle performances from Dìdi‘s cast. Izaac Wang is the protagonist Chris and really portrays perfectly the feelings of growing up not knowing where you belong. Shirley Chen plays Chris’ mother Chungsing and did such an amazing job. Chungsing has their own insecurities and problems they are facing and brought a lot of depth to the film. It really gives more weight to the film seeing that all of these characters are going through life for the first time as well not just our protagonist.

Dìdi has some stylistic choices in the way it portrays its drama through the use of technology and home videos. It really sets the movie apart from not just trying to be a nostalgia bait film. The 2008 feel is all over the movie but is never just what the movie is. Although a lot of the references and feelings the movie evoke were clearly designed for someone growing up during this time. I don’t think Dìdi will alienate anyone who wasn’t a teenager during this time. It still manages to have a universal feeling of growing up and maturing I think everyone can relate to. My theater was packed with various age groups, and everyone was in tune with the film.

Sean Wang clearly has a bright future ahead Dìdi. Wang was able to craft a coming-of-age film that is so real and filled with so much heart. Life is complicated and films sometimes overlook that aspect when bringing stories to the big screen. Dìdi, however, gets it and showcases the laughs that are in between the tears. The moments when Wang wants to really highlight specific feelings of reunion and understanding really hit hard. The comedy really is there to cushion just how emotional but cathartic the film is. All of this balancing done by Wang makes the movie that much better when you think about it in retrospect.

Overall, I think Dìdi is truly a special film that is able to capture the magic of growing up in the 2000’s. All while showcasing the cringy and confusing parts of it as well. I do wish it leaned a little more to the family dynamic especially with the sister, however. Dìdi could definitely benefit with a long run time to really flesh out some of its other characters I felt were important. Despite this, was able to craft a film that I gladly will put in my top 10 of the year.

We give Dìdi a 4.5/5