Watch Meditation Park

Meditation Park is a heartwarming and thought-provoking movie that explores the complexities of family relationships, cultural traditions, and personal growth. The film was directed and written by Mina Shum and premiered in 2017. The story is centered around Maria, a devoted wife and mother who has dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She is played by the talented Pei-Pei Cheng, best known for her roles in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Rush Hour 2. Maria's husband, Bing, played by Tzi Ma, is a hard-working man who runs a successful Chinese restaurant in Vancouver. The couple has been married for over 40 years and has a grown-up daughter named Ava, played by Sandra Oh.

One day, Maria discovers a red thong in Bing's pocket while doing the laundry, which leads her to suspect that he may be having an affair. She decides to investigate further and begins to follow him around, which eventually gives her a new perspective on her life and relationship. Maria starts to observe the world around her more intently and begins to see things she hadn't noticed before, including her own unhappiness and lack of fulfillment.

As the story unfolds, we learn more about Maria's life, her family, and her community. We see how she has always put others first and how her own desires and needs have been suppressed. We also get a glimpse into the lives of other characters, including Don, the kindly gardener who Maria befriends, and Gabriel, Ava's boyfriend who has a strained relationship with his own family.

The film delves deeply into the themes of identity, culture, and tradition. Maria struggles with her own sense of self and the expectations placed upon her by her Chinese roots. She also grapples with the generational divide between herself and her daughter, who is more independent and has embraced Western culture.

The movie is shot in Vancouver, giving the audience a glimpse into the city's diverse neighborhoods and cultural influences. The scenery is beautifully captured, with shots of the lush Stanley Park, the colorful Chinatown, and the bustling streets of East Vancouver.

Meditation Park is a poignant and nuanced portrayal of one woman's journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. The film's strong performances and insightful writing make it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of family dynamics, cultural traditions, and personal growth. It is a rare gem that tells a universal story while staying true to its specific cultural context.