Movie Digest
Jia Xiao Ling is a university student who was devastated after learning that her mother, Li Huan Ying, was killed in a car accident in 2001. Grief-stricken Jia is taken back to 1981 when she becomes close friends with her mother. Jia feels she has not been a good enough daughter in the present, so in 1981, she does everything possible to make Li Huanying happy and provide a better life than the first.
The Feel-Good Part
The whole movie is heart-warming and sweet. The events in every scene unfold with a sense of fluidity. It is never frustrating, but it is also not overly sweet.
The Disappointing Factor
There is confusion about time travel. But it does not affect the plot or the whole viewing experience.
In-Depth Analysis
This film is a beautiful drama with comedy that is sentimentally warm and touching. “Hi, Mom” has become the most successful feature film directed by a woman alone. The film is based on the director Jia Ling’s 2016 comedy skit, “Hello, Li Huan Ying.” The idea of the film is also the story of her mother, Li Huan Ying, who died in 2001, just after Jia started attending college. Jia made the movie as a tribute to her mother. The film shows the era when China was transitioning to a market economy and state businesses and communal values were flourishing. This background is not made fun of in the movie but celebrated nostalgically. This film explores more than just appreciating your mother; it also looks at the child’s point of view of living a happy, regret-free life. It teaches us to value our family’s happiness above anything else. It also emphasizes the value of parental figures and their sacrifices. It’s a memorable film that will make you call or hug your mother.
Star Power
The director Jia Ling takes the lead role of Jia Xiao Ling. She was channeling all her emotions onto the film. Zhang Xiao Fei (Li Huan Ying) did a great job with her character and had a good connection with Jia Ling.
Overall Opinion
It’s an inspiring story that transforms into a top-notch tearjerker that will have viewers everywhere grabbing for tissues.
