Made in China

Made in China is a 2019 comedy-drama film about a desperate entrepreneur who travels to China to find a business idea that will save his career. Directed by Judah Lazarus, the movie stars Ethan Landry as the main character, a failed business owner named Johnson.

The film begins with Johnson, a struggling entrepreneur who has invested all his money into a failed product. He's desperate to find a new idea that will save his career and restore his reputation. He turns to his friend's sister, Amanda (Estrella Loo), who is a business consultant, for advice. She suggests that he travels to China to find inspiration for a new product.

Without any other options, Johnson decides to make the trip to China. He meets up with his friend Dave (Brian Wang) who is a Chinese-American businessman with experience doing business in China. Dave introduces Johnson to his cousin, Wei (Kevin Tian), who agrees to help him navigate the cultural differences and find a product that he can market in the United States.

The trio sets out on a journey through China, experiencing the country's diverse culture and cuisine. Along the way, Johnson discovers that he has a knack for selling products to tourists. He begins to pitch various products to his fellow travelers, including a "spicy noodle challenge" and a selfie stick that is disguised as a Chinese fan. Despite some initial resistance, his sales pitch gains momentum, and he starts attracting crowds of tourists.

As the journey continues, Johnson becomes increasingly confident in his ability to sell products. However, he also discovers that Wei is not entirely trustworthy. Wei has been stealing from Johnson by overcharging him for products and accepting bribes from manufacturers. Johnson confronts Wei about his dishonesty, and the two argue.

The conflict between Wei and Johnson escalates when Wei steals Johnson's phone and discovers a message from Amanda. The message reveals that Amanda has feelings for Johnson, which Wei uses to his advantage to cause further tension between the two.

Despite the challenges, Johnson continues to sell products to tourists and build his confidence. He even manages to attract the attention of a wealthy investor who is interested in his products. However, his success is short-lived when Wei's illegal activities catch up with him, and the trio is caught by the Chinese police.

In the climactic scene, Johnson realizes that his journey has been about more than just finding a product to sell. He has developed a deeper understanding and appreciation for Chinese culture, and he has formed strong bonds with Dave and Wei. The three friends are presented with an opportunity to start a legitimate business together, which they accept, and they return to the United States as partners in a new venture.

Made in China is a heartwarming, funny, and engaging film that explores themes of friendship, cultural differences, and entrepreneurship. The performances of the main cast are excellent, with Ethan Landry delivering a nuanced and charming portrayal of Johnson. The film also features beautiful cinematography, capturing the vibrant colors and dynamic energy of China. Overall, Made in China is a must-see film for anyone interested in business, culture, or comedy.