An American in China

An American in China is a 2008 comedy-drama film directed by Ron Berrett. The film stars James Snyder, Sun Fei Fei, and Anthony Montgomery in lead roles and explores contemporary Eastern and Western cultural exchanges. It's a visually appealing movie with a lot of room for psychological and cultural exploration, a film that both entertain and makes you think.

The storyline centers around David Braddock, played by James Snyder, a young American graduate filled with the desire for adventure, looking for new experiences, and an escape from his monotonous life. As a last-ditch attempt to break away from his well-meaning but overbearing parents' plan for his life, David decides to embark on a journey. To aid his escape from the beaten path, he takes on a teaching position in China on a whim, much to his parents’ sigh of disappointment and apprehension.

The movie follows David's humorous and eye-opening journey into the heart of mainland China, as he navigates through previously unseen challenges and cultural shocks to shape his understanding of the world. His initial excitement quickly bubbles into frustration as he's thrown headlong into a reality far from his American comfort zone, and where he's viewed as somewhat of a foreign spectacle.

His tale takes a sweet turn when he meets and gradually befriends Mei, played by Sun Fei Fei, an ambitious, beautiful, and charming Chinese girl who dreams of experiencing life beyond her borders, specifically an American dream. A curious rapport builds between them as they both hold aspirations that mark as appealing the other's home country, establishing the film's primary commentary on Eastern and Western self-perceptions and aspirations.

Mei and David explore the limitations of their cultures and their shared dreams, seeing each other as a potential bridge to the life they aspire to. What follows is a fascinating exploration of contrasting traditions, societal norms, and cultural differences spritzed beautifully with romantic sparks, eventual intimacy, and mutual understanding between the two characters.

Their relationship is further catalyzed by Anthony Montgomery's character, nicknamed "English," as a fellow American with a wholly different perspective and experiences of China compared to David. English understood and empathized with the local people and culture, having lived there for many years, and serves as the character that endeavors to bridge the impassable gap between David's and Mei's worlds.

The film’s narrative thereby beautifully explores themes of cultural clash, personal growth, and mutual understanding. It captures the beauty of journeying into the unknown and the complexity of life lived between two worlds, yielding a narrative that resonates well with global citizens and chronic travelers alike.

Yet, An American in China is not purely about cultural and romantic exploration. It reflects on the cities' vibrancy, local people's humor, passion for life, the landscape's beauty, and the multilayered history of China that enthralls David and us as viewers. The cinematography captures moments of awe-inspiring architecture of old China and the fast-paced life of modern Chinese cities, giving audiences an entertaining education on China's heritage, culture, and people.

James Snyder's performance is a treat. He brings an authentic blend of confusion, frustration, cultural shock, romanticism, and charm to his role, making his journey worth watching. Sun Fei Fei's performance is equally laudable, presenting a grounded character who endeavors to live her dream while caught in the intricate balance of modern desires and traditional responsibilities. Montgomery's role as English injects insight and understanding into the narrative, making him a crucial character.

Overall, An American in China is a charming movie that takes a humorous and sincere look at our beliefs about foreign cultures and bringing us to question our preconceptions. Through the characters’ perspectives and encounters, the film raises questions of identity, aspiration, acceptance, and cultural sensitivity. It invites us to engage with our own presumptions and inquires: What does it mean to be an American in China? Or a Chinese in America? Or simply, a stranger in a strange land? With its skillful performances, rich storytelling, and eye-catching visuals, the film nudges us to look beyond borders and appreciate the beauty of diversity and intercultural interactions.