Watch Dim Sum

Dim Sum is a heart-warming movie that tells the story of a Chinese-American family living in San Francisco. The film explores the struggles and complexities of the Asian-American identity through the lenses of familial and romantic relationships. The film was written and directed by Wayne Wang and was released in 1985. The story revolves around a young woman named Geraldine (played by Laureen Chew) who is feeling the pressure from her traditional Chinese mother, Mrs. Tam (played by Kim Chew), to settle down and get married. Mrs. Tam, a hardworking woman who runs a small restaurant, is concerned about her daughter's future and wants her to find a suitable husband in a timely manner.

Geraldine, on the other hand, is hesitant to get married and is still trying to figure out her own identity. Her struggles are compounded by her job at a bank, where she is the only Asian-American employee, and her relationship with her white boyfriend, Mike (played by Mark Arnott). Mike is a kind and loving partner, but he does not fully understand Geraldine's culture and the challenges she faces as a Chinese-American.

As the family prepares for the traditional Sunday dim sum brunch, tensions rise between Mrs. Tam and her sister-in-law, Auntie Lily (played by Cora Miao). Auntie Lily, who is visiting from Hong Kong, is critical of Mrs. Tam's parenting techniques and the direction of her restaurant. She also urges Geraldine to return to Hong Kong to marry a wealthy businessman and settle down.

Throughout the film, we see the various family members struggle with their identities and their places in the world, against a backdrop of delicious food, family traditions, and cultural clashes. Victor Wong plays the role of Uncle Tam, Mrs. Tam's brother and owner of a local bar, who serves as a guiding force for Geraldine and the family.

The film is a poignant exploration of the Asian-American experience and the bonds that tie together family and culture. The characters are richly drawn, and their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and relatable. The film also deftly explores the themes of tradition, generational divides, and cultural misunderstandings.

The acting is superb, with Laureen Chew delivering a standout performance as the conflicted Geraldine. Kim Chew is also excellent as the overbearing but caring mother, while Cora Miao shines as the outspoken Auntie Lily. Victor Wong delivers a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Uncle Tam, providing the film with its emotional center.

The cinematography is equally impressive, with the camera capturing the bustling streets of San Francisco, the colorful dim sum spreads, and the intimate family moments with equal skill. The editing is also top-notch, weaving together multiple storylines and perspectives with ease.

Overall, Dim Sum is a moving and insightful film that explores the complexities of identity, culture, and family with depth and sensitivity. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Asian-American cinema or for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted drama with heart and soul.

Dim Sum is a 1985 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.