Introduction
In the animated short film Bao, directed by Domee Shi, the main character is a Chinese mother who initially finds herself in the throes of empty-nest syndrome. As the narrative progresses, she faces the conflict of dealing with her loneliness and eventually comes to terms with her son’s independence (Shi, 2018). Shi thoughtfully reflects on societal and personal difficulties in Bao by vividly expressing themes of familial love, cultural identity, and acceptance of change.
Methodology
The method used in this study is a scene-by-scene examination of Bao, with particular attention to the director’s deliberate selections to depict the story’s themes and character development. In addition, we will explore the subtleties of the cultural setting and highlight how it affects the storytelling. The mother’s emotional development, her son’s growth, and the relationship—a metaphorical representation of societal conventions and individual experiences—will all be examined.
Key Scenes
The mother’s preparation of dumplings, representing her cultural history and her love for cooking, is a crucial scene (Shi, 2018). The moment the dumpling comes to life, and the mother watches it with a mixture of astonishment and love, is another critical moment since it symbolizes the beginning of her new friendship. Her real son’s departure is reflected in the scene where the dumpling kid goes with his girlfriend, and her inability to let go is shown in the scene where she “eats” the dumpling boy. Reconciliation and acceptance are portrayed in the concluding scene, in which the genuine son comes bearing a gift of dumplings for peace (Shi, 2018).
Main Idea of the Film
Bao conveys the everyday experience of parenthood, notably the difficulty of watching children grow up and the accompanying feelings of emptiness and loss. Shi narrates this story using the distinctive perspectives of Chinese and Western cultures, carefully highlighting the distinctive nuances and traditions of each. The movie also emphasizes the tricky interplay between preserving cultural traditions and acclimating to contemporary social changes, particularly parent-child relationships. It reflects people’s expectations for parental responsibilities in both personal and societal contexts, notably in traditional Chinese culture.
Themes
The mother’s concern for the dumpling kid serves as an example of the first theme, which is family love (Shi, 2018). The practice of cooking dumplings and other traditional Chinese foods illustrates the second subject, cultural identity. The symbiotic relationship between food and culture, which demonstrates how food can be a powerful narrative device, is crucial to this theme. The third topic is embracing change, illustrated by the mother’s transition from opposition to acceptance of her son’s independence (Shi, 2018).
Techniques
Shi uses a variety of strategies to improve the story. The mother’s passion and commitment are evident in the close-up photographs of her cooking dumplings (Shi, 2018). Red, a hue of cultural significance in China, is used to denote luck and happiness. Shi’s decision to present his story mainly through visual cues rather than words gives the movie an emotive universality that transcends linguistic boundaries. When the mother is alone, the stark contrast of gray colors highlights her melancholy. Without using words, the character’s dramatic facial expressions successfully convey their emotions.
Conclusion
Bao is a moving examination of familial ties, cultural identity, and individual development. Shi skillfully combines visual and design components to produce an aesthetically beautiful and resonant story. Shi creates a story that resonates with a variety of people by fusing universal themes with a distinctive cultural perspective, boosting its global appeal. The problems of parents adjusting to their children’s independence and the more significant issue of accepting change in life are reflected in this movie, which mirrors society.
References
Shi, D. (2018). Bao. Walt Disney Pictures.