The Great Wall Is a Great Wall
Director: Peter Wang
Actors: Peter Wang, Sharon Iwai, Kelvin Han Yee
PlotLeo Fang, a Chinese-American professor, decides to take his family to China in order to reconnect with his cultural roots. Upon arriving, they stay with Leo's cousin Liu and his family in a rural village. The culture shock is immense for Leo's wife, Grace, and their two children, as they navigate differences in lifestyle, food, and social customs. While Grace initially struggles to adapt, she starts to appreciate the simplicity and close-knit nature of village life. Leo, on the other hand, grapples with his own sense of identity and the changing landscape of modern China.
As the days go by, Leo's teenage son Paul forms an unexpected friendship with Liu's daughter Lili, bridging their cultural divide through shared interests. Meanwhile, Leo immerses himself in the history and traditions of his ancestral home, gaining a deeper understanding of his heritage. The encounters and experiences challenge each family member in different ways, leading them to question their preconceived notions about identity, belonging, and family ties. As the family members grow from their experiences, they must decide how to integrate these newfound perspectives into their lives moving forward.
Writers: Shirley Sun, Peter Wang
Release Date: 30 May 1986
Runtime: 97 min
Rating: PG
Country: China, United States
Language: English, Mandarin
Home Video Reviews
A Great Wall is a charming, well-acted film that explores cultural collisions and organic conflicts with effective comedy, though it lacks extras and has audio issues.
Read our review of The Great Wall Is a Great Wall Blu-ray to find out more