Bao

Bao delves into the complexities of the Chinese-Canadian immigrant experience, specifically focusing on the generational gap and cultural differences between a mother and her son. The film subtly explores the pressure on children of immigrants to assimilate and the mother's fear of losing her connection to her child and her culture.

• The animation style is beautiful and expressive, capturing the nuances of emotion on both the mother and Bao's faces.
• The story explores universal themes of motherhood, empty nest syndrome, and the challenges of letting go.
• It's a unique and touching representation of Chinese-Canadian culture and family dynamics, offering a fresh perspective.
• The metaphorical use of the bao bun is clever and provides a visually engaging way to represent a mother's love and anxieties.

Fun Facts

• Director Domee Shi is the first woman to direct a Pixar short film.
• The film was inspired by Domee Shi's own experience as the only child of Chinese immigrants and her mother's overprotective nature.
• The scene where the mom eats Bao was initially much more graphic, but the team toned it down after testing it with audiences.