'Didi' Director Sean Wang On Street Casting For Coming-Of-Age Film Set In 2008 | Sundance 2024

Director Sean Wang and cast Izaac Wang, Joan Chen, Shirley Chen stop by The Hollywood Reporter's studio in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival to chat about their coming-of-age film about a Taiwanese American boy in Fremont, CA 2008 - which was inspired by 'Stand by Me.' Meaning "younger brother" in Mandarin, 'DìDi' (弟弟) is a story about 13-year-old Chris Wang who learns what his family can’t teach him: how to skate, how to flirt and how to love your mom.

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'Didi' Director Sean Wang On Street Casting For Coming-Of-Age Film Set In 2008 | Sundance 2024

The Hollywood Reporter

[gillynova]

As an Asian-American guy who lived just 10 min from Fremont and was a teen in the late 2000s, this movie HIT HOME. Haven't heard or seen so many sounds, songs or bands that I was so accustomed to in my daily life before. The Aim logging off, sending messages, The Starting Line/Paramore/Motion Citysoundtrack/HelloGoodBye songs, transition from MySpace to Facebook... legit felt like I watched my own life on the big screen

[cadenmorse]

it honestly resonates with our entire generation that grew up in that era, used those technologies, held that mentality, coming of age being miniorties and all. I personally grew up in the south but i can relate to this so much

[choppydell]

Just saw this film tonight. This hit home for the era so well. While set in '08, it felt like my high school era of 2000 to 2004. Seeing a Well Curated MySpace page with soundtrack (those who know, Madi put work on her page). Where the director really hits home is the authenticity of the relationships and the frailty of it all. Deep bonds broken over maintaining popularity. The depression and isolation that happens over loss of relationships. The breakdowns that happens within family's. This is my modern day stand by me

[mayao]

Saw this movie twice already — awesome movie.

[catiebrooks]

I thought I recognized Nai Nai from your doc! 🥰 This film made me laugh so hard, then leave crying - 13 is so hard! Can’t wait to see more from this director. Beautiful film!!!!

[Brunomgonzalez]

Seans Summer 08 was almost the same as my Summer 2012. Never was more comfortable than when I was out skating with my friends getting some footy and sneaking bottles into McDonald's to fill them up with blue Powerade. We'd skate for hours at what we called "The Berrics" right in the pavilion in White Plains. Just a few videos and pics exist from that summer for me so this is the closest thing I can hold onto. Chris's mother saying "sometimes its hard" was the line that got the tear to roll down. My favorite part is that in the end, not everything works out for Wangwang but he continues with his first day and tries new things. Cool to see that things worked out for him. FOR MOM ❤

[alis_n_lopez_]

hell yesss, Bay Area represent!!! <333

[nelsonying]

Looking forward to watching this one day. Also, congrats to Sean for Oscar nom for Nai Nai and Wai Po! Their reaction vid to hearing that news was super sweet. Look forward to seeing that one on Disney+. In February, right?

[buffDarrly]

Asain American here this movie is super great for any people that have been a teenager

[roach]

This movie reminds me of my friend Ben Baller! Yes Ben Baller did the chain.. reminds me of him when we rode with our bike club called Cocky Ridaz.. we were wild