I just watched Dìdi, and wow, what a delightful little coming-of-age film. It’s set during the summer of 2008 and follows Chris Wang, a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American boy trying to figure out life, love, and who he really is. As someone who grew up around the same time, the film really brought back some memories like early Facebook days and those grainy YouTube videos. It’s nostalgic, yes, but not in a way that feels forced or overdone. The story’s mix of humour and heartfelt moments struck a perfect balance, making it feel authentic and relatable.
What I loved most about Dìdi is how it captured that awkward teenage phase. Chris is such a mess; cringing his way through social interactions, stalking his crush on MySpace and making all the wrong moves. But isn’t that exactly what being 13 feels like? It’s hilarious at times, but the film doesn’t just poke fun at him; it really gets into the emotions of growing up. There’s a lot of heart here, especially in his rocky relationships with his family. His mom, played by Joan Chen, absolutely nailed that mix of exasperation and unconditional love that so many moms embody.
Visually, the film is just gorgeous. The warm tones and little details like Paramore posters and flip phones, made it feel like a time capsule of the late 2000s. The editing was sharp, especially when it came to blending Chris’s online and offline worlds but I’ll admit the pacing felt a bit off at times. Some scenes breezed by, while others lingered a little too long. Still the film’s overall vibe is so cozy and immersive that it’s easy to forgive those moments.
The emotional core of the film really hit me. It’s about belonging, not just in terms of friends or crushes but also within your family and cultural identity. Chris’s struggles with fitting in, his misunderstandings with his mom and even the quiet moments of regret and self-reflection all felt incredibly real. And that ending, where he starts to make amends and figure things out, left me with a bittersweet smile. Life isn’t perfect, and Dìdi doesn’t try to tie everything up neatly, which I appreciated.
Smash Hit Score: 7.8/10
If you’re into funny, heartfelt, and nostalgic stories, Dìdi is a must-watch. It’s not without its flaws but it’s bursting with charm and sincerity. Watching it reminded me of the chaos of being a teenager and trying to figure out who I wanted to be. A solid, heartwarming film that’s well worth your time.
All film shots taken from TheMovieDB.org
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