I see myself in this very melancholic film. How many single mothers and fathers are out there, trying to raise kids and forgot about ourselves, just to find us eating dinner alone, once the kids are out of the house. I pretty sure there are a lot of people identified with this. Just beautiful film 🎥
Thank you for sharing Anaid. I feel that so much of the loneliness we feel in our current society is structural. In spite of it, I believe if there is an awareness and willingness, a pathway will always be open for us to connect with our children/parents.
This was rough, and I mean that as a positive remark. I sympathized deeply with the character of the mother. Her personal sacrifices were limitless, AND she lost her degree/professional standing. But she still had the strength/resiliency to be open to a new opportunity. So admirable.
The language/cultural difference between immigrant parents and kids is enormous, but this gap will minimize as long as we are willing to learn from each other. Thanks for a great film.
@@qiricky Well, I taught my son my main language, why because it is important to me to communicate with him in my own language,( now he is an adult and he is the only bilingual in his job)♥️ your children are whatever you want them to be 🤷♀️ my son told me at the age of 3 that he didn’t want to learn Spanish, all I said was, your grandparents are too old too old to learn English, and you have time to learn Spanish and many other things to be better. 🌸 And he did 🙏♥️
@@nomada6789 Good thing then that you know how to speak English. That way at least you will be able to communicate with your English-only grandchildren.
« As long as we are learning from each other » thats a good point. However im afraid in traditional type of families with vertical hierarchy, the adults actually dont wanna learn from their descendants
I’m 61 and have never been married, no children. I eat alone every night - including my birthday, Christmas, New Year’s and other big holidays. That’s just how my life panned out.
My mom, originally from Taipei, died last year, and this sweet film made me miss her in the best way. Thank you for all the effort you put into making it!
The film is so realistic and the story is true! The mother prioritized hard work to raise the children over some of her needs, the children too are all in study and work - the best way to live that they learned. They are lonely too, isolated from the mother by their responsibilities. The film conveys loneliness very well!
This story resonates with me so much because it's the exact same story with my aunt and her daughter. My aunt, along with her husband, son, and daughter, emigrated from Hong Kong to the US in the 70s and shortly after they arrived, my uncle passed away, leaving her to fend for herself and two kids on her own. She's a tough cookie, worked very hard and managed to send her two kids to college. Her daughter ended up becoming a brilliant doctor but very sadly, she fell ill and died just right before she turned 50, just about a year ago. We miss her everyday. From the side lines, I could see that my aunt and my cousin had their differences, very much like the mother and daughter in this great little film. I only wish they had a chance to make up before my cousin was gone too soon. So to all daughters out there - call your mom and when she offers you dumplings - take them and appreciate them!
Beautiful - had me in tears near the end. Sometimes we forget the sacrifices our immigrant parents make for our happiness and the unconditional love they show us. Thank you for reminding us of that.
It’s easy for both sides to forget the sacrifices we make for each other, but as long as we’re willing, there will always be a chance to understand each other better. Thanks for watching!
@@qiricky Both sides ? What sacrifices do the children make ? Not to turn up on thanksgiving /Christmas, then stay for 5 minutes the Next day only to leave because because they're having an adult tantrum. And it's not "Immigrant" parents, it's parents in general.
@@MikeWildfrog whether immigrants or not, all children strive to please and accommodate their parents to one degree or another. Sometimes that can come from a healthy place, and sometimes it comes from a place of anxiety and loss due to a need to be connected with parents who don’t know how to connect with their kids because of their own unaddressed traumas. I understand how you feel, I’ve been that person you described. But I do think that every relationship is built upon mutual sacrifice. Like the saying goes, “it takes two hands to clap.”
I thought I'll just watch it for a few minutes, but couldn't stop. Laughed and in tears until it ended, as an immigrant mom myself. Thanks for making such a good movie.
UPDATE 08/17/23: Over 220,000 of you have seen Year of the Rat, which is to say if this film were screened at a traditional cinema, you could have filled over 730 packed movie theaters. Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined that my humble little film would be seen this way. When I was making it, I had severe doubts as to whether or not anyone would resonate with this story... But I now see and hear you loud and clear, and I'm overwhelmed by the support you have shown. If you'd like to further your support, please think about "buying me a coffee," or rather, a retrograde movie ticket, so that you can directly support the making of more films such Year of the Rat. www.buymeacoffee.com/rickyqi A long time ago, a friend told me that anything made in our world today requires three things: a good idea, good execution, and money. That's why every dollar donated to creators is a vote for more thoughtful, meaningful stories such as this. They go towards buying time for us, so we can focus on attuning our antennae to stories worth telling, and bring them to you. Once again, thank you for your support!
That's so sad. She put herself out there and he took advantage of her. That had to be devastating. I'm glad she had her family to help her. Great short story. I was really emotionally invested. The actors made it seem like we were looking through the lens into someone's real life.
Thanks for sharing Lucy. When we finally work up the courage and allow ourselves to open up, we also let in opportunities to get hurt. I think it's important that when we do get hurt, to process our traumas with those with whom we trust, and to continue to put ourselves out there. Because you never know... Life is full of beautiful surprises!
@@qiricky So true! You always take a risk when you put yourself out there, but we must never stop. When it works out, it's the best thing in the world.
As an immigrant mom with a daughter like the one on this film, I could totally relate to this empty nester mom and her relationship to her daughter. Well done!!
So do you also greet your daughter at your door with accusations and recriminations?? Do you sit at home watching soaps in your native language, or do you go out and engage with others around you??
@@BlameAkon My issue?? The mom isolates herself from the world around her, and when the daughter, who has her own life to live, shows up, instead of being happy to see her, showers her with recriminations. No wonder she is lonely and isolated.
Shelby, we are all human and mom needed to vent out a bit. She was hurt by her daughter not giving a damn about a holiday that is very important to her. And why has mom isolated herself? Circumstances perhaps?! I see lots of older isolated people, especially in America. My in-law never met or talked to her neighbor down south (what a myth that southern charm 🙄). People today suffer a lot from isolation and it’s horrible that the families are broken and friends hard to find. Yes, you can always engage in some fake, candy floss conversation with someone, but it’s not worth it.
This is one of the best short films I’ve seen in a long time! I come from a family of immigrant parents and a lot of this resonated with me. Thank you for creating such beautiful work! ✨
This is really sweet and touching. Although their stories are different, this movie made me think about my grandmother. She was not an immigrant, but she became a widow when she was quite young, while raising 4 girls all alone. She was born in the South of Italy and never went to school: it was considered a luxury for female children. She started working in the fields at 6 and then married when she was barely 18. She had 4 girls (which was seen as a misfortune at the time) and worked as hard as a mule in order to be sure that her children had everything they need and her husband was not drained, since he was poor health. When her husband passed away, leaving her and the girls in poverty, she became a cleaner in an asylum, while continuing to work in her family fields. In the end, my mum and one of her sister managed to got a university degree and then established in the North of the country. She is still in pain because of all the physical fatigue she had to endure during her life and some days she can't even walk. I don't know if she has ever looked for another significant other, but she is still devoted to the memory of my grandfather. I hope to become as strong as her, both for me and my future family. P.S. I'm sorry for my poor English, is not my native language.
Thinking of your grandmother. May she have relief from pain. I’m so glad you value her. I’m sure she would be so touched to know her story matters so much to her family.
What you wrote was so lovely know it shall touch many hearts….I’m Greek and my grandmother suffered much the same…..bearing eleven children…..forced sadly to marry her first when she was sixteen he thirty. Women bore so much in those times….she was and still remains my hero of what a real woman is and was. Her life was so hard and yet she bore it as her journey and daily even after her husband had passes he was so much older then her in her daily prayers she still prayed for him, never said a bad word……she was very religious and her faith gave her the will to live a long life. I miss her to this day and I was so close to her…..I visited her often she was such a roll model for me. I bless your memory of your story it really touched my heart!
Ayyyy! This gave me the feels. The mother-daughter dynamic and the incorrigible bluntness of Chinese parents resonated hard, and the complicated hopefulness of a lonely parent embarking on a new adventure … !!
Extremely relatable. My mother was a single mother and she chose her career over us kids (her words). We are still repairing the damage, it will never be fully undone.
Amazing. The mother-daughter relationship in this movie is very relatable. A very similar pattern can be observed in Korea ,too. Thank you for the beautiful film and soundtracks.
As a Taiwanese American who grew up with immigrant parents in the suburbs of LA, it was relatable to see the cultural and generational differences in this short film. Thank you for telling our stories.
Thank you for the kind words Alex! I have a similar background as you, and wanted to make a film that showed some form of optimism toward these kinds of relationships, in spite of all the difficulties we encounter. I appreciate your comment!
I have always been a daughter that believe in never forgetting the debt I owe my parents for giving us life and nurturing us. The least I could do is to give them respect and consideration and once in a while try not to take them for granted!
So good! Love all the little details… like how the mom was starting to spell out Stephen’s name, and the daughter found him right away… and when the mom flushed the toilet. Perfection! Bravo on an honest, humorous, and hopeful film.
loved this thoughtful and heartwarming film. I was engaged the whole time with the main character who I cared about during times with daughter and on line dating efforts.
Really touching film. I find myself living in Asia in my mid fifties (Man, that came around fast!). I got burned by a liar, the same as Joy, but she took everything before I realised who she really was. Cross cultural relationships are hard work, but loneliness is worse. Joy's character was brilliantly played. I really enjoyed this movie.
I watched it with my teenage son. We laughed and I was in tears when she got her daughter's understanding. Hope to see more of this short film to help us learn to communicate to be understood
This was so touching and relatable. Really reminded me of my relationship with my mom before she passed. Truly an touching short film and great acting!
I think it’s really sweet that you replied personally to each and every comment. Even the rude and brash ones. You were so polite in replying to those. You have a great future ahead of you. Best of luck! P.S. I haven’t watched the short film yet but I will. Today.
This was very well done. RUclips algorithm sent me here and I'm very thankful. The Chinese American representation was very authentic. This type of film needs to get a wider audience. Did you submit to CAAMFest 2023? It's running right now in San Francisco.
Ricky - I'm sorry to hear that. This was very well done and I'd like to see more Asian American films of this caliber and material. I just watched Dealing with Dad last week and thought it was good but you conveyed so much more emotion in your short film. Can you recommend any other Asian American films/directors similar to your quality? I'd like to go down that rabbit hole.
What a great actress! I believed I was watching MY mother. And I felt everything the character was feeling. Terrific everyday story telling. Great camera work and editing. And congrats on making the 'sets' and production values so full and real. top notch production all around.
To be honest, I accidentally clicked on the video but I could not stop watching it all. I love it so much. It is a great short film and I felt that my different emotions were dancing through the flow of story. I am looking forward to see more of your creative work!! :) Btw, I have decided to try to make some dumplings from scratch for my family as the mom did. Since my grand mom died 30 years ago, I have never had homemade dumplings. I missed her so much and I deeply appreciate her love and care for me.
Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you’re making your mother’s food. Sometimes the act of even trying to cook something our parents made helps take us back and feel their love. Even better when you can share with your family and create new memories!
When the mom sat at the table with all the food. In my mind I was saying “oooh! Someone’s going to be in trouble “ when my mom cooks, especially from scratch she expects me to be at the table when it’s hot! When she yelled and and then got to the ziplock bag I was thinking that the daughter better accept the food.
It made me so sad when the daughter rejected her mom’s ravioli. Such a terribly insensitive attitude after she forgot the Chinese NY and then undermined the significance of it.
I’m at 17:25… wasn’t thinking I’d still be watching this far in, but it drew me in right away. I stopped though because I care so much about the mom character and I’m afraid she’s going to get hurt! I’ll come back to it when I’m in a less sensitive mood… 😅
I’m also single and was eye opening as I’ve had these types sad men do what they’ve done to this amazing woman…..despite she was an actor… there’s such truth in this story and I’ve asked myself countless times “why are there not more GOOD MEN AROUND WHO VALUE HOW TO TREAT A WOMAN?!” This was beautifully done, and said so so much to everyone about not only dating but the loneliness of losing a partner and trying to find a connecting to love again and hope!
@@qiricky you are so welcome. I have never been so moved by a video and I watched it again today I’m a music teacher with lots of Asian clients also identifying a lot with their stories and I wish there was more like this because we need to understand the Asian culture every culture but this was very moving and I sent it to at least 10 more people today so I want to thank you so much and I’m looking so forward that you will do this again with another wonderful short.!
What a beautiful piece of art. Loved watching that, will make sure my parents watch it too! The video chat at the beginning with Mark was quite entertaining. Fantastic story-line, beautiful music and the actresses were fabulous. Well done!
Thank you! We had a lot of fun shooting it! If you like that, I recommend RUclips searching for the opening to Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. That’s the best food opening I’ve ever seen in a movie, never fails to make my mouth water!
Thanks for sharing. Love comes in so many forms, we sometimes aren’t able to recognize it in the moment. Glad you had that realization for yourself. Thanks for watching.
This is amazing! I was sucked in right from the get go. You tell so much story in 26min and the attention to detail is fantastic. The dried out plant at the end was a great touch. Keep it up!
Loved it! The story line is so accurate and realistic. I like how you guys portray the mom's dating journey. It's not just a one shot experience to find Mr. Right. There are a lot online creeps and dating "etiquette" that the mom needs to learn. Hope you guys continue to make more great stories!
Okay, for the record there is no way ever any Asian person will deny their mother’s dumplings, ever. Plus, my own mother nags me constantly about what I eat, what I wear, where I’m at and what time am I coming home. I’m 41 year old single woman. 😅
This is such a beautiful film! It made me cry and and laugh and think of my mum, I’m a Vietnamese Australian girl in New York and my mum is in Australia so I miss her so much. Thank you for creating such a great piece of art
Our English teacher just recommended your film to us and it's so great! The Chinese songs in it remind me of a Chinese film called Mountains May Depart and I enjoy your film very much. Thank you!
So sensitively handled. I loved the acting. Nothing over the top, very natural and the film delivers the message with finesse. Great job by the director and crew!
Ricky, thank you so much for making! This was such a pleasure to watch. What direction - beautiful cinematography, and love to your main actress. Thank you!
Thank you Jennifer, really glad you enjoyed it! We had a great team and an incredibly talented cinematographer in Allen Liu. He was a big reason why it looked as good as it did!
As the daughter of a Taiwanese mother, I can so relate to the home cooked Chinese food, especially the dumplings! And even when they were fighting, how the mom tried to send her daughter home with them. Perfectly captured a Chinese mother! They truly show their love by feeding others. My beautiful mother passed away 13 years ago and I still yearn for her delicious food. I almost never go to Chinese restaurants because they can never live up to her food. God, what I wouldn't give to eat her food again. I hope by writing this someone else may see this and go visit their mothers, eat their food, learn their recipes, and just treasure the moments with them. 💗
My life is like the mom in this short film, but I understand my son has a life and a job and responsibilities. I don’t have it in my heart to guilt him by reminding him what I’ve done for him. What I did I did for love and never expecting anything in return. I want his love and attention but not at the expense of pity.
One of the best short movies I have ever watched! One thing though, too old fashioned they depicted the Mum, as I am about the same age I know. It's we who opened up the internet era, remember? She must have been learning computer since her college in China. With that clumsy on keyboard she'd never have graduated 😅😅
I enjoyed this short film. I, myself as a foreigner living in Berlin and found some similarities in her. I understand her feelings as a mother and also as a woman . It’s nice ending, too. Well done !
Great film. Thanks for sharing. RUclips suggested it and I didn’t know what to expect but the 27 minutes just flew by. I was sad when it ended. It was heartwarming and a bit sad at times but it did have some funny moments. Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing more films from you.
Wow, Ricky, this is such a great piece of work. And right there in the Bay area. Makes me miss home. keep up the great work. We need more Asian-American artists like you.
Even down to the Mom choosing 2 years of PT school. My Mom chose to be a radio tech after immigrating to raise me and my sister. Thank you for making this. Wow, what a powerful film.
Okay but the immediate tears though. Im not a crier, but this short film got me so many times. Thank you, I needed a beautiful and soulful story today! ❤🙏🏾
The mum is a terrific actress. I saw so much of the women I know in her expressions and gesture
Lee Chen is amazing! We now affectionately call her “everybody’s mom” now!
Very funny!
The cultural differences are hilarious.
I see myself in this very melancholic film. How many single mothers and fathers are out there, trying to raise kids and forgot about ourselves, just to find us eating dinner alone, once the kids are out of the house. I pretty sure there are a lot of people identified with this. Just beautiful film 🎥
Thank you for sharing Anaid. I feel that so much of the loneliness we feel in our current society is structural. In spite of it, I believe if there is an awareness and willingness, a pathway will always be open for us to connect with our children/parents.
@@jigmedadul6440 welcome to the club
Better than failing to launch. Happiest day of my life when I had the house to myself again.
I think it’s very common.
We lost the sense of community that's the real problem, nobody needs anybody anymore and you almost have to book an appointment to see your friend.
This was rough, and I mean that as a positive remark. I sympathized deeply with the character of the mother. Her personal sacrifices were limitless, AND she lost her degree/professional standing. But she still had the strength/resiliency to be open to a new opportunity. So admirable.
Thanks for watching. Really glad it resonated with you.
The language/cultural difference between immigrant parents and kids is enormous, but this gap will minimize as long as we are willing to learn from each other. Thanks for a great film.
As long as there’s a willingness, there will always be a way to connect. Thanks for watching!
@@qiricky
Well, I taught my son my main language, why because it is important to me to communicate with him in my own language,( now he is an adult and he is the only bilingual in his job)♥️ your children are whatever you want them to be 🤷♀️ my son told me at the age of 3 that he didn’t want to learn Spanish, all I said was, your grandparents are too old too old to learn English, and you have time to learn Spanish and many other things to be better. 🌸 And he did 🙏♥️
@@nomada6789 Good thing then that you know how to speak English. That way at least you will be able to communicate with your English-only grandchildren.
« As long as we are learning from each other » thats a good point.
However im afraid in traditional type of families with vertical hierarchy, the adults actually dont wanna learn from their descendants
the children can learn too
My heart breaks when I see the mother alone at the table.
🥲
I’m 61 and have never been married, no children. I eat alone every night - including my birthday, Christmas, New Year’s and other big holidays. That’s just how my life panned out.
My mom, originally from Taipei, died last year, and this sweet film made me miss her in the best way. Thank you for all the effort you put into making it!
Thank you for sharing. ❤️
Same😢
This was suggested to me by RUclips, I thought it was a trailer and then saw it was 26 minutes but I couldnt stop watching, very well done.
Thank you Catriana, that's a big compliment! Hope you enjoyed the film.
The film is so realistic and the story is true! The mother prioritized hard work to raise the children over some of her needs, the children too are all in study and work - the best way to live that they learned. They are lonely too, isolated from the mother by their responsibilities. The film conveys loneliness very well!
It’s a modern problem that needs modern solutions. Thank you for watching!
"I'm just an empty vessel" wow 🥺 Amazing what single parents sacrifice for their kids!
Thanks for commenting. Glad you enjoyed the film!
Thank you for this.
This story resonates with me so much because it's the exact same story with my aunt and her daughter. My aunt, along with her husband, son, and daughter, emigrated from Hong Kong to the US in the 70s and shortly after they arrived, my uncle passed away, leaving her to fend for herself and two kids on her own. She's a tough cookie, worked very hard and managed to send her two kids to college. Her daughter ended up becoming a brilliant doctor but very sadly, she fell ill and died just right before she turned 50, just about a year ago. We miss her everyday. From the side lines, I could see that my aunt and my cousin had their differences, very much like the mother and daughter in this great little film. I only wish they had a chance to make up before my cousin was gone too soon. So to all daughters out there - call your mom and when she offers you dumplings - take them and appreciate them!
I absolutely understand that but not all mothers are that great in reality 😢
Thanks for sharing about your family!
My Chinese mom and grandma, aunts & aunties all have warm like this woman in the film. They would just starve as long as their kids are fed. 😢.
@@521venusNeither are all daughters, sorry to say.
@@conniepun6659 I don’t think all people would believe that but my mother did starve me
Beautiful - had me in tears near the end. Sometimes we forget the sacrifices our immigrant parents make for our happiness and the unconditional love they show us. Thank you for reminding us of that.
It’s easy for both sides to forget the sacrifices we make for each other, but as long as we’re willing, there will always be a chance to understand each other better. Thanks for watching!
@@qiricky
Both sides ?
What sacrifices do the children make ? Not to turn up on thanksgiving /Christmas, then stay for 5 minutes the Next day only to leave because because they're having an adult tantrum.
And it's not "Immigrant" parents, it's parents in general.
Our "parents" no immigration needed for this comment.
@@MikeWildfrog whether immigrants or not, all children strive to please and accommodate their parents to one degree or another. Sometimes that can come from a healthy place, and sometimes it comes from a place of anxiety and loss due to a need to be connected with parents who don’t know how to connect with their kids because of their own unaddressed traumas. I understand how you feel, I’ve been that person you described. But I do think that every relationship is built upon mutual sacrifice. Like the saying goes, “it takes two hands to clap.”
@@qiricky But it takes one to slap
Im sorry for taking all of your opportunities, mom. I love you with all my heart. I promise I’ll give you back all that you have sacrificed.
❤️
@@qirickyI'm crying my heart out watching this video. thank you so much for making such a great film.
You say sweet true, Blessings
I thought I'll just watch it for a few minutes, but couldn't stop. Laughed and in tears until it ended, as an immigrant mom myself. Thanks for making such a good movie.
Thanks for sharing! It’s comments like yours that make my day!
I love how the daughter and mom reconnected...
Glad you enjoyed it!
A touching, nuanced story told in such a short time. The actress who played the mother gave a superb performance and she was beautifully filmed!
Thank you! I’ll be sure to pass on your compliments to Lee!
Had a director’s callback for role of David. They hired the right guy, he was great. Wonderful short film. I laughed, cried and was moved. Congrats!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you get called back for many roles in the future!
UPDATE 08/17/23: Over 220,000 of you have seen Year of the Rat, which is to say if this film were screened at a traditional cinema, you could have filled over 730 packed movie theaters. Never in my wildest dreams have I imagined that my humble little film would be seen this way. When I was making it, I had severe doubts as to whether or not anyone would resonate with this story... But I now see and hear you loud and clear, and I'm overwhelmed by the support you have shown.
If you'd like to further your support, please think about "buying me a coffee," or rather, a retrograde movie ticket, so that you can directly support the making of more films such Year of the Rat.
www.buymeacoffee.com/rickyqi
A long time ago, a friend told me that anything made in our world today requires three things: a good idea, good execution, and money.
That's why every dollar donated to creators is a vote for more thoughtful, meaningful stories such as this. They go towards buying time for us, so we can focus on attuning our antennae to stories worth telling, and bring them to you. Once again, thank you for your support!
That's so sad. She put herself out there and he took advantage of her. That had to be devastating. I'm glad she had her family to help her. Great short story. I was really emotionally invested. The actors made it seem like we were looking through the lens into someone's real life.
Thanks for sharing Lucy. When we finally work up the courage and allow ourselves to open up, we also let in opportunities to get hurt. I think it's important that when we do get hurt, to process our traumas with those with whom we trust, and to continue to put ourselves out there. Because you never know... Life is full of beautiful surprises!
@@qiricky So true! You always take a risk when you put yourself out there, but we must never stop. When it works out, it's the best thing in the world.
As an immigrant mom with a daughter like the one on this film, I could totally relate to this empty nester mom and her relationship to her daughter. Well done!!
Thank you! I’m Im glad you liked it!
So do you also greet your daughter at your door with accusations and recriminations??
Do you sit at home watching soaps in your native language, or do you go out and engage with others around you??
@shelbynamels7948 Lol I saw another comment you made and I'm wondering what is your issue is, geez.
@@BlameAkon My issue?? The mom isolates herself from the world around her, and when the daughter, who has her own life to live, shows up, instead of being happy to see her, showers her with recriminations.
No wonder she is lonely and isolated.
Shelby, we are all human and mom needed to vent out a bit. She was hurt by her daughter not giving a damn about a holiday that is very important to her. And why has mom isolated herself? Circumstances perhaps?! I see lots of older isolated people, especially in America. My in-law never met or talked to her neighbor down south (what a myth that southern charm 🙄). People today suffer a lot from isolation and it’s horrible that the families are broken and friends hard to find. Yes, you can always engage in some fake, candy floss conversation with someone, but it’s not worth it.
This is one of the best short films I’ve seen in a long time! I come from a family of immigrant parents and a lot of this resonated with me. Thank you for creating such beautiful work! ✨
Glad you enjoyed it!
It is such a great short film and it touches our hearts as Asian Americans. It literally made me cry just in 3 minutes after watching it….
Thank you for the kind words Tiffany. I’m happy you enjoyed it.
Yeah, me too. Poor lady.
@@qiricky the dumplings needed a dipping sauce but i like mine grilled.
apart from that great film
I was like « Take the damn dumplings!!! »
Loved it! Especially the cut from the cute couple to mom uploading her profile. 😂
Haha thanks!
This is really sweet and touching.
Although their stories are different, this movie made me think about my grandmother. She was not an immigrant, but she became a widow when she was quite young, while raising 4 girls all alone.
She was born in the South of Italy and never went to school: it was considered a luxury for female children. She started working in the fields at 6 and then married when she was barely 18. She had 4 girls (which was seen as a misfortune at the time) and worked as hard as a mule in order to be sure that her children had everything they need and her husband was not drained, since he was poor health. When her husband passed away, leaving her and the girls in poverty, she became a cleaner in an asylum, while continuing to work in her family fields.
In the end, my mum and one of her sister managed to got a university degree and then established in the North of the country.
She is still in pain because of all the physical fatigue she had to endure during her life and some days she can't even walk. I don't know if she has ever looked for another significant other, but she is still devoted to the memory of my grandfather.
I hope to become as strong as her, both for me and my future family.
P.S. I'm sorry for my poor English, is not my native language.
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing about your grandmother. 💕
Your English is perfect 🙌. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story 🙏
damn patriarchy is a joke... I'm sorry she couldn't go to school, and that her daughter weren't perceived as the gift they are
Thinking of your grandmother. May she have relief from pain. I’m so glad you value her. I’m sure she would be so touched to know her story matters so much to her family.
What you wrote was so lovely know it shall touch many hearts….I’m Greek and my grandmother suffered much the same…..bearing eleven children…..forced sadly to marry her first when she was sixteen he thirty. Women bore so much in those times….she was and still remains my hero of what a real woman is and was. Her life was so hard and yet she bore it as her journey and daily even after her husband had passes he was so much older then her in her daily prayers she still prayed for him, never said a bad word……she was very religious and her faith gave her the will to live a long life. I miss her to this day and I was so close to her…..I visited her often she was such a roll model for me. I bless your memory of your story it really touched my heart!
I cried. This made me think of my mom. She is Filipino and we don’t see each other enough
Thanks for sharing. Hopefully she and you can find more time going forward. 🫶🏼
Ayyyy! This gave me the feels. The mother-daughter dynamic and the incorrigible bluntness of Chinese parents resonated hard, and the complicated hopefulness of a lonely parent embarking on a new adventure … !!
Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate how you summed it up!
Extremely relatable. My mother was a single mother and she chose her career over us kids (her words). We are still repairing the damage, it will never be fully undone.
Thank you for sharing. Hope and your family find peace.
Amazing. The mother-daughter relationship in this movie is very relatable. A very similar pattern can be observed in Korea ,too. Thank you for the beautiful film and soundtracks.
Thank you for watching. Hope this film has encouraged you!
As a Taiwanese American who grew up with immigrant parents in the suburbs of LA, it was relatable to see the cultural and generational differences in this short film. Thank you for telling our stories.
Thank you for the kind words Alex! I have a similar background as you, and wanted to make a film that showed some form of optimism toward these kinds of relationships, in spite of all the difficulties we encounter. I appreciate your comment!
@@qiricky You did great at capturing just that. Happy AAPI month!
Thank you! Happy AAPI month!
This was one of the best short movies I’ve seen in a long time. It evoked so much emotion in me. So so good!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it so much!
Beautiful film. Really enjoyed the cinematography. Many immigrant families can relate.
Thank you for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.
I have always been a daughter that believe in never forgetting the debt I owe my parents for giving us life and nurturing us. The least I could do is to give them respect and consideration and once in a while try not to take them for granted!
That’s the best we can do!
This is one of the best films I've seen in a long time. It hit me at so many levels. From the online dating to desire to take care of my mom. Amazing!
Thank you. These words mean the world to me, and I’m really glad you enjoyed it on so many levels!
So good! Love all the little details… like how the mom was starting to spell out Stephen’s name, and the daughter found him right away… and when the mom flushed the toilet. Perfection! Bravo on an honest, humorous, and hopeful film.
I appreciate that you noticed those things! Thank you!
loved this thoughtful and heartwarming film. I was engaged the whole time with the main character who I cared about during times with daughter and on line dating efforts.
Thank you for the kind words Sheila!
@@qiricky keep up the great work! I hope it's ok I am sharing it in a film studies class that I teach..
@@sheilalaffey6 go for it!
Really touching film. I find myself living in Asia in my mid fifties (Man, that came around fast!). I got burned by a liar, the same as Joy, but she took everything before I realised who she really was. Cross cultural relationships are hard work, but loneliness is worse. Joy's character was brilliantly played. I really enjoyed this movie.
Thank you for sharing, I hope that this film gives you hope in your life going forward!
Loneliness is the default condition in life. Learn to be your own best company,
@@shelbynamels7948no, you are referring to being alone.
Hey hello 👋🏻
Hey hello 👋🏻
Beautiful storytelling. Love how intricate and piercing this film is.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I watched it with my teenage son. We laughed and I was in tears when she got her daughter's understanding. Hope to see more of this short film to help us learn to communicate to be understood
Thank you Sprosa, I’m really happy you both got to enjoy it together!
This was so touching and relatable. Really reminded me of my relationship with my mom before she passed. Truly an touching short film and great acting!
Lee Chen, our lead was such a pleasure to work with! I'm glad you related to it, and it was able to remind you of your mom! Thanks for sharing!
Ugh I teared up almost right from the get go with Joy eating alone on CNY. Dont want to imagine my mom going through that. Well done.
Thank you Karen. Hope you enjoyed it!
the fridge at the end is so relatable. a good reminder of how immigrant parents will show their love and what they sacrifice.
Really happy you felt that way. Thanks for watching and sharing.
This makes me want to make a dating app for kids to set up their parents online
OMG can we make one together, I’ve been wanting to do the same for my mom.
Haha amazing! Keep us updated!
@@avocadojoy8191 any ideas for a name?
I think it’s really sweet that you replied personally to each and every comment. Even the rude and brash ones. You were so polite in replying to those.
You have a great future ahead of you. Best of luck!
P.S. I haven’t watched the short film yet but I will. Today.
Thank you for the kind words! I’m happy that this film has found its audience! Hope you enjoy it!
This was very well done. RUclips algorithm sent me here and I'm very thankful.
The Chinese American representation was very authentic. This type of film needs to get a wider audience.
Did you submit to CAAMFest 2023? It's running right now in San Francisco.
Thanks. I appreciate your kind words. I did submit but didn’t get in! Glad it’s found a home here on RUclips though!
Ricky - I'm sorry to hear that. This was very well done and I'd like to see more Asian American films of this caliber and material.
I just watched Dealing with Dad last week and thought it was good but you conveyed so much more emotion in your short film.
Can you recommend any other Asian American films/directors similar to your quality? I'd like to go down that rabbit hole.
I’d recommend Christopher Yip’s Streams Flow From a River, as well as any works by the Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda!
@@qirickyI love Kore-eda 🤍 I Wish is one of my favorite movies ever.
What a great actress! I believed I was watching MY mother. And I felt everything the character was feeling. Terrific everyday story telling. Great camera work and editing. And congrats on making the 'sets' and production values so full and real. top notch production all around.
Haha! Amazing! I hope she reads this! glad you enjoyed it and found resonance!
To be honest, I accidentally clicked on the video but I could not stop watching it all. I love it so much. It is a great short film and I felt that my different emotions were dancing through the flow of story. I am looking forward to see more of your creative work!! :)
Btw, I have decided to try to make some dumplings from scratch for my family as the mom did. Since my grand mom died 30 years ago, I have never had homemade dumplings. I missed her so much and I deeply appreciate her love and care for me.
Thank you for the kind words! I’m glad you’re making your mother’s food. Sometimes the act of even trying to cook something our parents made helps take us back and feel their love. Even better when you can share with your family and create new memories!
i just teared when she refused to take the dumplings and drove off, how hurtful was that to the mom :(((
🥲🥲
When the mom sat at the table with all the food. In my mind I was saying “oooh! Someone’s going to be in trouble “ when my mom cooks, especially from scratch she expects me to be at the table when it’s hot! When she yelled and and then got to the ziplock bag I was thinking that the daughter better accept the food.
Oh yeah, haha. I have gotten into some pretty hot water for not accepting food. Thanks for watching Kemille!
What a beautiful story to tell about a mother/woman/immigrant. Thank you for the great short movie!
Thank you Yingjie!
This was beautiful and so relatable, it felt like watching my mom and her experience of online dating right now.
Thank you so much for the kind words!
So well done and touching. Thank you. The actors (especially the lead are so talented.
Thank you!
I felt this all the way through. Wonderfully acted and done.
Captured the mother daughter experience spot on, great short film!
I'm happy you enjoyed the film Bay. Appreciate it!
It made me so sad when the daughter rejected her mom’s ravioli. Such a terribly insensitive attitude after she forgot the Chinese NY and then undermined the significance of it.
I’m at 17:25… wasn’t thinking I’d still be watching this far in, but it drew me in right away. I stopped though because I care so much about the mom character and I’m afraid she’s going to get hurt! I’ll come back to it when I’m in a less sensitive mood… 😅
Haha for sure! Take your time!
A story told brilliantly. Best short film I have watched in a long time. Well curated. No detail gone missing. Impeccable acting. Kudos !
Thank you for the incredible compliment! I’m really glad you enjoyed it!
I’m also single and was eye opening as I’ve had these types sad men do what they’ve done to this amazing woman…..despite she was an actor… there’s such truth in this story and I’ve asked myself countless times “why are there not more GOOD MEN AROUND WHO VALUE HOW TO TREAT A WOMAN?!”
This was beautifully done, and said so so much to everyone about not only dating but the loneliness of losing a partner and trying to find a connecting to love again and hope!
Thanks for watching and sharing!
@@qiricky you are so welcome. I have never been so moved by a video and I watched it again today I’m a music teacher with lots of Asian clients also identifying a lot with their stories and I wish there was more like this because we need to understand the Asian culture every culture but this was very moving and I sent it to at least 10 more people today so I want to thank you so much and I’m looking so forward that you will do this again with another wonderful short.!
What a beautiful piece of art. Loved watching that, will make sure my parents watch it too! The video chat at the beginning with Mark was quite entertaining. Fantastic story-line, beautiful music and the actresses were fabulous. Well done!
Thank you so much Chrissie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! 🫶🏼
Not many films have left me speechless. Thank you so much.
Wow. That’s a huge compliment. If you enjoyed this film, you might like the other short film on my channel, Three Bows. Thank you for watching!
Beautiful.
Thank you!
It is beautiful 🌸
Thank you for this heartwarming and humorous short film! Good work! Looking forward to your future productions ❤
Thank you for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it!
@@qirickyI'm an aspiring voice artist. May I connect with you on FB?
Of course!
@@qiricky Thanks Ricky! Request sent!
the opening scene where the mom is preparing the dumplings got me hooked. it was shot so beautifully.
Thank you! We had a lot of fun shooting it! If you like that, I recommend RUclips searching for the opening to Eat, Drink, Man, Woman. That’s the best food opening I’ve ever seen in a movie, never fails to make my mouth water!
@@qiricky holy Jesus in wheels! that scene woaaaah!!! it's midnight in Hong Kong and I'm craving Chinese food!
@@keesmuch I knowww! I'd go get some food ASAP if I were you :P
Good reminder for me to appreciate the food my mom ‘force’ me to take home when I visit. I know she puts all her heart into cooking them.
Thanks for sharing. Love comes in so many forms, we sometimes aren’t able to recognize it in the moment. Glad you had that realization for yourself. Thanks for watching.
Very touching. I cried when the mom and daughter sat down and talk/communicate. Subscribed. Looking forward to more great works from you.
Thanks Macybrown! I'm glad that the film resonated with you, and I'm looking forward to making more films!
A lovely short film. Well acted and put together. Thank you everyone.
Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!
This is amazing! I was sucked in right from the get go. You tell so much story in 26min and the attention to detail is fantastic. The dried out plant at the end was a great touch. Keep it up!
Thank you Karl, we wondered if anyone would clock them, I’m glad you noticed those details.
Beautifully portrayed relationships...and lack of them. Thank you.
Thank you Heather!
Loved it! The story line is so accurate and realistic. I like how you guys portray the mom's dating journey. It's not just a one shot experience to find Mr. Right. There are a lot online creeps and dating "etiquette" that the mom needs to learn. Hope you guys continue to make more great stories!
Thank you for the compliments! Glad you enjoyed the movie!
Okay, for the record there is no way ever any Asian person will deny their mother’s dumplings, ever. Plus, my own mother nags me constantly about what I eat, what I wear, where I’m at and what time am I coming home. I’m 41 year old single woman. 😅
Glad you found something to relate to in this film!
A very straightforward and clear cut Asian-American culture. Love it. Btw, PT school is not 2 years, it must be PTA. And, I’m bawling. It’s 8am. 😅😅😅
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it!
This is such a beautiful film! It made me cry and and laugh and think of my mum, I’m a Vietnamese Australian girl in New York and my mum is in Australia so I miss her so much. Thank you for creating such a great piece of art
Thank you for sharing. Glad it resonated with you! Go call her!
What an incredible and well told story! The relationship between the mother and the daughter is so complex and masterfully developed on screen
Thank you Seth! I appreciate your kind words and your support! 🙏
I love theses kind of short films. Keep them coming!!!
Thanks!
This is incredibly heartwarming, grounded, and sweet! I loved it. I even laughed out loud a time or two. Really wonderful short
Thanks Katie! I'm glad you had a good time! That's what we're all here for! Appreciate the watch!
Our English teacher just recommended your film to us and it's so great! The Chinese songs in it remind me of a Chinese film called Mountains May Depart and I enjoy your film very much. Thank you!
Thanks for the recommendation Ann! Glad you got something out of this film!
So sensitively handled. I loved the acting. Nothing over the top, very natural and the film delivers the message with finesse. Great job by the director and crew!
Thank you very much! Appreciate your encouragement!
Ricky, thank you so much for making! This was such a pleasure to watch. What direction - beautiful cinematography, and love to your main actress. Thank you!
Thank you Jennifer, really glad you enjoyed it! We had a great team and an incredibly talented cinematographer in Allen Liu. He was a big reason why it looked as good as it did!
I cried watching this.. Bravo!! 👏👏👏🎬
Thank you! Glad it resonated with you!
Much emotion packed into a short film. Definitely watch it!
Thank you for the kind words Pam! Glad you enjoyed it.
So refreshing. Joyfull, not too heavy, optimistic, reconnected. I liked it very much. Thank you for filming it.
Thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing film! Very heartwarming...very timely...I shed tears for the Mom
Thanks for the kind word Irene, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
As the daughter of a Taiwanese mother, I can so relate to the home cooked Chinese food, especially the dumplings! And even when they were fighting, how the mom tried to send her daughter home with them. Perfectly captured a Chinese mother! They truly show their love by feeding others. My beautiful mother passed away 13 years ago and I still yearn for her delicious food. I almost never go to Chinese restaurants because they can never live up to her food. God, what I wouldn't give to eat her food again. I hope by writing this someone else may see this and go visit their mothers, eat their food, learn their recipes, and just treasure the moments with them. 💗
Agree, nothing like home-made food! This is such a beautiful thought. Thanks for sharing with all of us!
My life is like the mom in this short film, but I understand my son has a life and a job and responsibilities. I don’t have it in my heart to guilt him by reminding him what I’ve done for him. What I did I did for love and never expecting anything in return. I want his love and attention but not at the expense of pity.
Thanks for sharing. Appreciate it!
this is INCREDIBLE. so so incredible
An honest, sincere heartfelt film. Well done. Lee is great!
She is! Thank you Raymond!
One of the best short movies I have ever watched!
One thing though, too old fashioned they depicted the Mum, as I am about the same age I know. It's we who opened up the internet era, remember? She must have been learning computer since her college in China. With that clumsy on keyboard she'd never have graduated 😅😅
Thank you for the compliment! Re: the mom, she might just be playing 4D chess with those prospective dates!
I enjoyed this short film. I, myself as a foreigner living in Berlin and found some similarities in her. I understand her feelings as a mother and also as a woman . It’s nice ending, too. Well done !
Thank you for sharing Kimie. It makes me happy that you felt those things. Thank you for watching!
That lonely dinner scene made me want to call my mom 💔 Beautiful film
Thanks for sharing 0bia. Hope you ended up calling her!
Obia! Call your mom!
Bravo! This was very well done. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thank you very much!
Very nice, the actors were great, editing excellent, engaging throughout.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great film. Thanks for sharing. RUclips suggested it and I didn’t know what to expect but the 27 minutes just flew by. I was sad when it ended. It was heartwarming and a bit sad at times but it did have some funny moments. Keep up the great work. I look forward to seeing more films from you.
Thank you Linda! I appreciate the kind words!
What a wonderful story, quite beautiful, like a sweet fable. X:)
Thank you!
Wow, Ricky, this is such a great piece of work. And right there in the Bay area. Makes me miss home. keep up the great work. We need more Asian-American artists like you.
Thanks Cecilia, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Oh no! I feel for her... And all the parents that give their all and then are looking for that special person to share their lives with. ❤❤❤
Glad it resonated with you! Thanks for watching!
Totally caught me off guard. Great job!!! Very well done.
Thanks Micaela! Glad it surprised you in a good way!
I'm not an immigrant (or child of one) but found your film so wonderful... thank you!
Thanks for watching Estelle! That’s really encouraging to hear! Glad to hear this story is universal!
Even down to the Mom choosing 2 years of PT school. My Mom chose to be a radio tech after immigrating to raise me and my sister. Thank you for making this. Wow, what a powerful film.
I’m glad it resonated with you, there’s much to be thankful for. Thanks for sharing!
Sweet and beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful film!
Thank you!
Absolutely loved this short film.
Thanks Bridget! Glad you enjoyed it!
This short film was very touching - both heartwarming and hilarious. I can see why it won an award.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Okay but the immediate tears though. Im not a crier, but this short film got me so many times. Thank you, I needed a beautiful and soulful story today! ❤🙏🏾
Thank you Adorable Earth Angel! I’m so glad this film encouraged you in this way! 🫶🏼
Empty nest and lonely without partner is something terrible. A very nice film. Thank you
Thank you!