A Great Wall

A Great Wall, released in 1986, is an endearing family drama that shines light on cultural differences, familial bonds, and the human want for connection and understanding beyond cultural boundaries. Directed by Peter Wang, who also stars as the protagonist, this movie extends its narrative beyond the borders, delving into a cross-cultural exploration that symbolically breaks down the “great wall” between East and West. Co-stars Sharon Iwai and Kelvin Han Yee play significant roles that bolster the film’s narrative towards a greater understanding of cultural dynamics.

Peter Wang plays the role of Leo Fang, an executives who lives with his family in San Francisco's Silicon Valley. Leo works for a computer firm and diligently aspires for growth and transformation. Living comfortably in the American society, Leo, along with his wife Grace (played by Sharon Iwai) and their generational gap straddling teenage son Paul (portrayed by Kelvin Han Yee), inhabits the conventional suburban life typically associated with the American dream.

The narrative takes a turn when Leo loses his job over a culturally insensitive misunderstanding at work. This incident propels the Fang family to visit Leo's sister and her family in Beijing, China, marking a symbolic journey from West to East. The trip embodies a homecoming for Leo and his wife, Grace, who were both born in China. In contrast, for their American-born son, Paul, this trip is his first exposure to his ancestral homeland.

The movie is rich in both humour and pathos as it unearths the challenges culturally displaced individuals face in their homeland. Leo's interactions in China form an integral part of the film, exposing the viewers to the difficulties he faces to blend into the land of his ancestors because of his westernization. While Leo's sister lives a traditional lifestyle typical of Beijing in the 1980s, Leo and his family's life is painted with broad Western strokes. The meeting of these two worlds makes for a heartfelt portrayal of tradition versus modernity.

Kelvin Han Yee's character, Paul, provides another entry point into the cultural conflict and understanding. His experiences in China as a teenager with an American background forms an important subplot. Paul is both fascinated and appalled by the lifestyle in China. His experiences shed light on the struggle of young individuals navigating the crossroads of tradition and modernity.

A Great Wall is also a significant film historically, as it's reportedly the first American feature film to be jointly produced by the U.S. and the People's Republic of China following the end of the Cultural Revolution. Significant portions of the movie were shot in Beijing, offering valuable visual and cultural insights into the country during this era. Through this cooperative approach, the film strives to bridge both cultures, reflecting its title and theme.

The film is not just a narrative built around a family's adventure in a foreign land. It's a vessel of expressing a blend of contrasting traditions and customs. It wrestles with issues of identity, belonging, and familial ties, creating a poignant viewing experience.

Though A Great Wall leans heavily on the culture shock premise, its charm lies in its details. There is an appreciative focus on the subtleties of daily life in Beijing, shown through Leo's attempts to navigate his native country, transformed beyond his recognition. The language differences, lifestyle disparities, and even the intensely different flavors of food encapsulate the essence of two contrasting worlds existing simultaneously.

Conclusively, A Great Wall is a complex yet heartwarming narrative about cultural clashes, identity crises, and the essence of connection. Peter Wang's deft direction combined with the compelling performances of Sharon Iwai and Kelvin Han Yee, makes this movie a cinematic journey worth undertaking. The film strives to send a message about the essence of unity, acceptance, and understanding, despite cultural differences and geographical separations. The illustration of 'family' as a universal concept that transcends all barriers further strengthens its emotional impact.