Finally there is a movie that explores the dichotomy between eastern and western culture, where one prides itself on individualism and personal rights while the other in unity and family. This dichotomy played out really well in this drama because the conflict is centered on whether or not to tell Nainai (奶奶) that she has cancer. Throughout the movie, Billi asks her family and the doctor whether or not they should tell her. Her dad also says that withholding this information is illegal in the US, yet both he and Billi don't do anything. In fact, Billi ends up taking actions to protect the lie. They're questioning their own actions while continuing to engage in them. Clearly, there is no right or wrong, but what's better or what's worse. Neither culture can tell what's best. In this movie, it just happens to turn out that not telling NaiNai was the best action.
The only thing I would criticize this movie about would be the acting. The fake to-be-married couple was unreasonably awkward and stiff. They had been dating for a least a couple of months so it didn't warrant being extremely uncomfortable with each other. There were other occasions where the clash between eastern and western culture seemed forced and didn't fit into the scene. But since I want to encourage others to watch this movie, I would give this movie 5 stars.
