Go Back To China

Go Back To China is a heartfelt, independent 2019 film directed by Emily Ting, starring Anna Akana, Richard Ng, and Lynn Chen. It is a film that deftly combines elements of family drama, comedy, and cultural exploration with luxurious touches of a jet-setting lifestyle. Known for its compelling storytelling, meaningful dialogue, and emotional depth, the movie garnered strong, positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.

The movie follows the life of Sasha Li (played by Anna Akana), a wealthy, rebellious twenty-something-year-old Chinese-American spoiled girl forced to confront her familial responsibilities and personal self-growth. Sasha Li grew up in a privileged lifestyle thanks to her toy tycoon father, Teddy Li (played by Richard Ng). Sasha lives off of the money her father sends her each month, spent on partying and cultivating her lavish LA lifestyle. But when her father cuts her allowance off unexpectedly and decides to offer it back under one condition — that she comes back to China and works for a year in his toy company — she's confronted with a tough decision.

Reluctantly, she travels back to Shenzhen, China, to her birthplace, where she is immediately immersed in the family business, confronting the daily trials of factory labor, the tribulations of international business, and her father's authoritarian management techniques. She develops a deeper understanding of her family's roots and the challenges of manufacturing toys for the world market, all while navigating the confines of the alien culture of her own family in a work environment that she is not accustomed to.

Meanwhile, Sasha also has to deal with the family drama at her father’s opulent mansion where she interacts with her half-sisters from her father’s other relationships. The familial dynamics and dialogues bring a significant portion of drama in Sasha's life. Amid the chaos, Sasha finds an ally in her older sister, Carol Li (played by Lynn Chen), who also went through the same experience but chose to stay in the family business.

Go Back To China artistically addresses the dichotomy of western and eastern cultures through the perspective of Sasha Li. The film goes beyond the shallow stereotypes, showcasing the vivid and rich Chinese culture and tradition with a sense of authenticity. At the same time, it gives insight into the world of the toy industry and the consequences of the toy manufacturing process on its workers.

While predominantly a family drama, the movie is sprinkled with moments of humor, making it a compelling and entertaining watch throughout. Anna Akana's performance is captivating as she seamlessly transitions from the spoiled girl living in a western society to the overwhelmed young woman in the east, coming to terms with her own roots, identity, and family legacy. Richard Ng’s portrayal of a tyrannical yet affectionate father is profound, while Lynn Chen delivers an equally alluring performance.

The film is beautifully shot with an eye-catching contrast between the opulence of Teddy's palatial residence and the gritty factory where their wealth is generated. The cinematographic techniques used amplify the visual storytelling and depict the stark differences in lifestyle and living conditions between the east and west.

Emily Ting, the director, has done a beautiful job at highlighting the cultural and social issues that many immigrants face when trying to find a balance between their cultural heritage and the life they’ve built in a new country. The movie is semi-autobiographical, inspired by Emily’s own experiences working at her family’s toy business in China.

Go Back To China is not just a tale about a rich kid learning a life lesson. It's a sensitive exploration of cross-cultural identities and the complexities associated with navigating familial duties, personal growth, and self-realization. It leaves viewers with a deeper understanding of the implications of our global consumer culture and the importance of recognizing and appreciating one's roots. At its heart, it's about a young woman's journey in finding her true self within the complexities of her dual cultural identity. The film successfully highlights that, despite our flaws, obstinacy, or youthful rebellion, family often remains at the heart of our personal growth and identity.