A Lesson I Learned From the Film ‘Didi’

The coming-of-age film Didi follows a Taiwanese American teenage boy as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, trying to balance his cultural heritage with the pressures of fitting in with his American peers. The film does an excellent job portraying the awkwardness of puberty and the often embarrassing moments that come with growing up. It captures the universal struggles that come with adolescence, making it easy for anyone, regardless of background, to relate to Didi’s journey.

As an Asian woman raised in American culture, I found myself connecting deeply with Didi’s experience. While the film didn’t teach me any particularly new lessons, it definitely reinforced things I already understood. One of the key takeaways for me was the importance of family. There’s a moment in the film where Didi gets frustrated with his mom for coming into his room while his friends are there, embarrassing him by talking to his friends about her art. I could really relate to this feeling of being embarrassed by my family, specifically as a teenager. Like Didi, I wanted to fit in with my friends and didn’t always want my cultural background or family traditions to stand out. As a teen, it’s hard not to feel self-conscious about those differences, and the film really taps into that.

The theme of wanting to fit in, especially when you come from a different background than your peers, is central to Didi’s story. It highlights the struggle that many second-generation immigrants face as they try to navigate the cultural divide between home and school. Didi, like many of us, wants to be accepted, and at times, that means trying to hide parts of his identity. However, as the film progresses, it shows how Didi’s relationship with his family is ultimately strengthened by love and open communication. Despite the disagreements and arguments, Didi and his mom are able to work through their conflicts, and their bond deepens by the end of the film.

For me, this was a powerful reminder that, no matter how much we fight against our families or feel embarrassed by them, family will always be there in the end. It’s easy to overlook the importance of family during the teenage years when you’re craving independence and trying to fit in, but Didi reminds us that the love and support from our families are constant. 

Overall, Didi reinforces the idea that growing up is difficult, especially when you’re trying to balance multiple identities, but it also shows that family, communication, and love can help you get through those challenging years. It’s a lesson that stays with you long after adolescence is over. As it is Thanksgiving season, these lessons are especially important and make me feel truly thankful for my family during times like these.