Pushing Hands

Pushing Hands is a 1991 Taiwanese-American film directed by Ang Lee. It marked the directorial debut of Lee, who went on to helm films like "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Brokeback Mountain". The Mandarin title of the film is derived from a strategy of balance and endurance used in martial arts training known as Tui Shou. This theme resonates in the backdrop of the movie as it gracefully explores the struggle between traditions, relationships, and other facets of contemporary and conventional living.

The movie is a compelling drama and a taut depiction of two cultures clashing within the confined space of a small New York apartment. The story centers around retired tai chi master Mr. Chu, portrayed by the accomplished actor Sihung Lung. The film narrates Chu's life as he moves from Beijing to the bustling city of New York to live with his son Alex (played by Bo-Zhao Wang) and his American daughter-in-law, Martha (played by Deb Snyder).

From the outset, the premise of the film seems simple; however, it is this simplicity that allows Lee to delve into intense interpersonal dynamics, cultural unease, and the complexities of familial relationships. Mr. Chu's story unfolds as one of loneliness and isolation, primarily because of language barriers and substantial cultural differences. It becomes evident early on that the loving but frail relationship between Martha and Mr. Chu is strained, causing discomfort in their shared living environment.

Sihung Lung truly stands out in Pushing Hands, giving a nuanced performance as the conflicted and sometimes aloof Mr. Chu. Lung's portrayal accurately showcases the emotional journey of an aging man who feels alienated and displaced in a foreign country. Besides, the character often seeks solace and relief in practicing tai chi in the park, a thematic stand-in for his lingering ties to his roots.

Furthermore, Lai Wang gives a memorable performance as Mrs. Chen, another inhabitant of the city experiencing a similar cross-cultural journey. Mrs. Chen’s character brings in a fresh perspective of survival tactics, arguably bookending Sihung’s isolation with a communal approach to adaptability.

"Lonesome" is an apt term to encapsulate Pushing Hands, as Lee beautifully weaves a narrative that is both geographically and emotionally set in the middle of two extremely disparate worlds. The film delves deeply into generational and cultural conflict themes, showcasing the extreme ends of disjunction between eastern and western values, traditions, and ways of life.

Moreover, the film's delicate exploration of themes like cultural displacement and generational communication gaps reflected through the uneasy relationship between Mr. Chu and his American daughter-in-law Martha adds another thought-provoking layer to this drama. Martha's character, despite being well-meaning and sensitive, struggles to comprehend and adapt to Mr. Chu's lifestyle and traditional living habits.

A noteworthy aspect of the film is Ang Lee's ability to present and balance these complex themes in an endearing manner. His storytelling technique displays immense respect for all characters, thereby prompting serious reflections on each of their perspectives.

On the technical front, the cinematography uses the game of "pushing hands" as a visual metaphor, marking moments of serenity amidst turbulent emotions. The pervasive dominance of warm and cool colors in the cinematography wonderfully complements the emotional temperature of the film and fiercely illustrates the cultural dissonance and personal relations highlighted throughout the movie.

In conclusion, Pushing Hands is an insightful exploration of cross-cultural displacement and the subsequent strain it can put on familial relationships. Ang Lee's astute and sensitive direction, combined with Sihung Lung's remarkable performance, lays the foundation for a poignant narrative that is hard to forget. This film is an essential treat for lovers of world cinema and a powerful study of how one copes, adapts, or resists when faced with extreme cultural differences and detachment from their roots. All in all, Pushing Hands masterfully unveils the poignant dilemma and struggles of an old school man trying to find his place in the new world.