Dim Sum Funeral (Anna Chi, 2008): Canada

Dim Sum Funeral is directed by Anna Chi and is a comedy/drama about a family’s reunion after a death. It’s a film with a clear message that gets through to the viewer. Anna Chi has succeeded in making a great film where we follow this Americanized Chinese family and their emotional journey as they are brought together.

Dim Sum Funeral is about 4 Chinese American siblings who come together after the death of their mother. Her last wish was to have a real Chinese funeral, which lasts for seven days. The siblings haven’t had any contact with each other, and now they have to spend time together, and they realize that they have neglected their family and overlooked some of their values. All of the siblings had negative feelings for their mother, and during this journey they discover that she wasn’t that bad, and gain respect for her along the way…and a secret is also revealed. The four siblings had different problems in their lives, and gained new perspectives during their week together. Elizabeth (Julia Nickson) is still in pain after the loss of her child.  Victoria (Francoise Yip) struggles as a single mom.  Alexander (Russel Wong) is unfaithful to his wife, a former Miss Taiwan.  And MeiMei (Steph Song) is in a relationship with a woman named DeeDee (Bai Ling) and they struggle to find a way to get a baby.

This film takes up some serious subjects, especially that the family is important and that one shouldn’t wait until something serious happens until you share how much you care for and love one another. I liked the film because there were also fun moments, and it was interesting to see Chinese people who had become Americanized, and how that affected theirs values and behavior. It feels like people often value and take more care of their families in other countries, and this was a lesson that a stressful and career seeking society can sometimes make people forget what is most important in life. I highly recommend this film; it’s fun, and at the same time as it has an important message.