Dìdi (弟弟)

Set in the summer of 2008, the story follows a 13 year old Taiwanese American boy as he stands at the edge of adolescence and a new school year. He lives with a busy family that can offer advice but not always the answers he seeks. The film portrays his attempts to learn skating on a cracked city rink, his awkward experiments with flirting, and his growing realization of what loving his mother really means. It blends humor with tender observation as he tests limits, makes missteps, and discovers small acts of courage. With a clear focus on character and everyday detail, the movie builds a truthful portrait of a kid finding his place. It respects the quiet power.

Directed by Sean Wang, Dìdi arrived in 2024. The film is built from an original screenplay, anchored by Izaac Wang as Chris Wang, with Joan Chen as Chungsing Wang and strong turns from Shirley Chen, Chang Li Hua, and Mahaela Park.

Box office earnings total $5,067,608 worldwide, a modest but solid return for a small independent title. The figure signals steady audience interest and broad festival support, with positive word of mouth carrying into streaming and replay markets across varied regions.

Critics highlight how the film balances humor with warmth and its sharp sense of cultural detail. It centers on identity, belonging, and the fragile but loyal bond between a mother and her son, set against a late 2000s American context. Its tone earns trust through quiet humor and character sketches.

Awards: To date the film has not landed any major nominations. Its reception leans more on audience affection and festival praise for its heartfelt portrayal of a family dealing with change, with particular attention to the lead performances and authentic cultural texture that underpins the story throughout within its context.