Article written by Craig Baker @craigreviews
Didi is one of 2024's best movies and there’s no question about it! This film perfectly captures the coming of age experience for a teenage boy. This film is set in the year 2008 and as someone that was a teenager in 2008, I couldn’t relate to someone more than I could Chris Wang (Didi).
Didi is about a young Taiwanese-American boy called Chris aka Didi. Currently working through the last summer month before high school, Didi learns what his family can’t teach him; how to skate, how to flirt and how to love your mum.
This film is full of nostalgia, picking up on stuff from even my teenage years. The first reference is MySpace and Facebook pages. Even down to the tabs of addicting games (which was a constant tab on my computer). Seeing that for the first time in years, really took me back.
All images courtesy of Focus Features.
I resonated immensely with Chris in this film, the way that he went about his life was like looking at a time portal. I’m sure a lot of people will have watched this and thought the same thing. From his mannerisms to his interactions with family and friends, it captured a teenage boys life perfectly.
Furthermore, the way that Chris tries to fit in, is something that everyone goes through at some point. Trying to find yourself and the struggles of relationships is all too familiar. This story was so powerful, and I don’t think a lot of people will finish this film and not think about relatability at some point.
People will watch this and reminisce their family. I couldn’t help think about that too when watching this and remembering just how important it is.
Izaac Wang is outstanding in this film as Chris and it’s very clear, we will see a lot more of him in the future. The supporting cast do an excellent job in this and really compliment the films authenticity.
If you do anything with your time, please go and watch this film. It has left a mark on me for sure and is easily one of my personal favourite films released this year.
This film is in select cinemas right now so go watch if you can!
Article written by Craig Baker @craigreviews