Watch Bao

Bao is a 2018 Pixar animated short film directed by Domee Shi, a Chinese-Canadian filmmaker. It tells the story of a Chinese-Canadian mother who, after suffering from "empty nest syndrome," gets a second chance at motherhood when one of her dumplings comes to life. The film is set in a bustling urban neighborhood and begins with a woman making dumplings in her kitchen. As she kneads the dough and shapes it into small balls, she suddenly sees one of the dumplings come alive. Initially shocked and confused, she quickly adapts to the situation and takes care of the small dumpling as if it were her own child. She names the dumpling Bao, and the two develop a close bond over time.

Through Bao, the film explores themes of identity, family, and cultural assimilation. As Bao grows up, he becomes increasingly independent and seeks to explore the world outside of his mother's protective embrace. This tension between mother and child is portrayed with both humor and heartwarming moments, as the mother struggles to let her "child" grow up and make his own choices.

Throughout the film, Bao also serves as a symbol of the mother's cultural heritage, as he is portrayed eating traditional foods and participating in customary activities. His assimilation into Canadian culture, however, is also a primary theme of the film, as he is shown playing hockey and embracing other aspects of Canadian life. This duality of cultural identity is a common experience for many immigrants, and the film handles the subject matter with sensitivity and thoughtfulness.

The animation in Bao is dazzling, as audiences are immediately drawn into the rich and vibrant world of the city. The use of light and shadow is particularly effective, as it creates a sense of depth and texture that makes the world feel more real. The characters are also beautifully rendered, with expressive faces and fluid movements that convey a range of emotions.

The musical score is another standout feature of the film, blending traditional Chinese instruments with modern pop music to create a unique and memorable soundtrack. The use of sound effects is also masterful, as the sounds of the city and the cooking process are layered together to create a fully immersive audio experience.

Overall, Bao is a delightful and heartwarming film that explores complex themes with humor and sensitivity. It is a rare treat to see a film that so effectively blends cultural identity with universal themes of family and love, and Bao is a shining example of what can be achieved in animated storytelling. Whether you are a fan of Pixar films or simply enjoy a good cinematic experience, Bao is a must-see film that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Bao is a 2018 animated movie with a runtime of 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.