Watch Dim Sum Funeral

Dim Sum Funeral is a 2008 drama film directed by Anna Chi. The film explores the lives of the Chen family, who are brought together to mourn the death of their matriarch Lily. Throughout the film, the audience follows the family members as they come to terms with their own personal demons and grudges, and ultimately find a way to reconcile and move forward.

The film opens with Lily's funeral, where she is eulogized by her four children: Alex, Victoria, Meimei, and JJ. Her death serves as a catalyst for the family members to confront their own issues with each other, their mother, and themselves. Victoria, the eldest child, is estranged from her siblings and has a strained relationship with her mother, while JJ, the youngest of the siblings, feels like an outsider within the family due to his homosexuality. Meanwhile, Meimei struggles with the pressure of her high-powered job and her unhappy marriage to her husband Trent, while Alex tries to keep everything together as the mediator of the family.

As the family members gather to sort through Lily's possessions and plan her funeral, tensions escalate, and secrets are revealed. The film touches on themes of grief, loss, betrayal, and forgiveness, as the characters each confront their past and confront their own flaws. While the film is at times heavy and emotional, it also has moments of lightness and humor, particularly in the scenes between JJ and his boyfriend Leo.

The film features a talented cast, with standout performances from Bai Ling as the troubled Meimei, Steph Song as the bitter and resentful Victoria, and Talia Shire as the stoic and reserved Lily. Russell Wong also delivers a solid performance as Alex, the eldest sibling who struggles to keep his family together. As the film progresses, the audience becomes invested in the characters' personal journeys, and hopes for a happy resolution for each of them.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its portrayal of Chinese-American culture. The film seamlessly weaves in elements of traditional Chinese customs and beliefs, such as the importance of family and filial piety, with modern American sensibilities. This is seen in the characters' struggles with balancing their Chinese heritage with their American upbringing, as well as in the blending of traditional Chinese funeral customs with more contemporary practices.

Overall, Dim Sum Funeral is a poignant and thought-provoking film that tackles complex familial relationships and issues with sensitivity and nuance. The film's exploration of grief, loss, and reconciliation is universal, while its unique cultural perspective adds an extra layer of depth and richness to the story.

Dim Sum Funeral is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.