Watch Pushing Hands

Pushing Hands is a heartwarming and emotional drama directed by Ang Lee and released in 1991. The movie explores the struggle of an immigrant Chinese family in America, and their fight to adapt to the lifestyle and customs of the western world. As the story unfolds, we meet Mr. Chu, an elderly tai chi teacher, who migrates to the United States from Beijing to live with his son Alex, and his American wife Martha. Mr. Chu is grappling with the sudden culture shock of living in a foreign country, with a different language, different customs, and food he isn't used to.

Alex is struggling to keep up with his job at a computer company, and at the same time, he has to take care of his father's needs. The tension between the father and son duo is heightened by their contrasting lifestyles and views of the world. Alex is modern, individualistic, and outspoken, while Mr. Chu is traditional, stoic, and passive.

However, the inevitable collision occurs when Mr. Chu's tai chi teachings start to interfere with Alex's idea of life. Alex sees his father's teachings as obsolete and outdated, while Mr. Chu is willing to adhere to tradition and carry out his teachings. These issues start to cause problems in their relationship.

Amidst all this tension, Mr. Chu befriends a vivacious tenant of his son's, who is Chinese-American and carries the identity of being neither completely Chinese nor American. Through this friendship, Mr. Chu is introduced to the American way of life, and he starts to understand the nuances of both cultures.

The movie takes us through the daily struggles of the characters, the misunderstandings that occur due to cultural differences, and the eventual acceptance of one another. We witness Mr. Chu's journey of acceptance and growth in a foreign land, and his willingness to change his ways and view of life.

The director's attention to the details of the movie, including the interactions between the characters and the use of symbolism, enhances the plot and makes the movie a poignant experience to watch. Ang Lee masterfully presents an intimate portrait of the immigrant experience in America, the feeling of being uprooted from one's own land and planting roots in a foreign soil.

The performances of the actors are remarkable. Sihung Lung, the actor who portrays Mr. Chu, is especially notable for his portrayal of the stern, yet sympathetic character that evokes a myriad of emotions. Lai Wang skillfully portrays the role of the Americanized Chinese-American tenant, who adds the right amount of levity to the plot. Bozhao Wang, who plays Alex, also delivers a solid performance as the conflicted son torn between his father's traditions and the American way of life.

In conclusion, Pushing Hands is a timeless story that still resonates today. From navigating the uncertainty of adapting to a new culture to the complexities of family dynamics, the movie is an excellent exploration of the immigrant experience. Pushing Hands is a must-watch for anyone who wants to experience a heartfelt and emotional journey of self-discovery and growth.

Pushing Hands is a 1992 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.