Tom Huang's feature debut "Find Me" remains one of my favorite independent films, and now with his second feature, "Dealing with Dad," Huang polishes its edges, refines its themes, and brings us another universal story: dealing. with an elderly father who is depressed
Margaret Chang (Ally Maki) is a smart, intelligent and assertive working mother who is estranged from her parents. Learning that her father is unwell, Margaret coordinates efforts to help her brother Roy (Peter Kim) and her younger brother Larry (Hayden Szeto), who still lives at home. This good-hearted act will not go unpunished as we see the dysfunction of this Asian-American family get in the way.
Director: Tom Huang
Writer: Tom Huang
Stars: Ally Maki, Hayden Szeto, Peter S. Kim
"Dealing with Dad" is one of those movies that has characters we can all relate to: the penniless mom who brushes everything up, the brutally honest aunt, a brother who just can't grow up, and another who wallows in self-pity. (and donuts). And then, of course, there's her daughter, Margaret, who is the epitome of a woman who is still struggling with unresolved issues with her father and with herself. With humor and love, we watch Margaret find her way into her life, but not without several bumps in the road, many of which make us laugh, and all of which make us love her.
Huang has a distinctive style of filmmaking, as he finds a way to bring personal issues into a story with humor and poignancy. Creating a family whose children are first-generation Americans brings its own dynamic to the group. Huang then embeds into this story how hard it is to not only grow up and see our parents and siblings for what they have become, but also see our parents for what they used to be...the people who had lives and adventures so much. before. you knew them as mom and dad; the people who sacrificed their hopes and dreams when they earned that title and name that would stay with them forever; people who are not perfect But when you can see them from a new perspective, you also see yourself differently and that's what Huang shows us with “Dealing with Dad”.
To create what feels like a simple story but is actually quite complicated with layers of humor, you need the right cast, and Huang has found them. Maki shines in her role. We love her from the first scene when she takes over the parent meeting in her son's classroom. She creates a fractured character that ultimately puts all the pieces together as she juggles financial problems, a husband her family disrespects, and her parents' inherent racism toward her own grandson. There are heartbreaking moments, resentments, and longings for a different relationship with her family members, and Maki finds the empathic ability to create a realistic Margaret.
Both Peter Kim (Roy) and Hayden Szeto (Larry) add elements of humor to this family dynamic. Kim's sad reactions to his wife's divorce papers and her reaction to his mother's blind date are priceless to him. And Szeto fills the screen with his personality to bring us more than just comedy; he gives us someone we know. Page Leong takes on the role of the mom with incredible ease as she delivers dialogue in not-so-perfect English that will blow your mind. As you answer it, she's already on the next line from her, completely oblivious to what she just said. She brings a level of believability to the role of hers that connects all of "the kids" to create that family.
Of course, “Dealing with Dad” has to have the perfect dad and it does so with Dana Lee as the depressed and difficult father. Huang adds a level of depth to this character as we see Dad in flashbacks as he interacts with his daughter. We also uncover cultural differences and expectations when it comes to girls and being the oldest.
Huang's "Dealing with Dad" may allow you to see yourself or your family a little differently while entertaining and making you laugh. Relationships are hard and families can be crazy, but watching the Chang family work through their problems can help open the doors of communication for yours.
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