American Born Chinese Show written by the Hobbit. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch
Series Name: American Born Chinese
Release Date: May 24, 2023
Streaming Service: Disney Plus
Age Suggestion: 7 and up
Episode Length: Eight 30 minute episodes
Rating: TV-PG
Genre: Fantasy (magical realism), coming of age, action/adventure
Warnings: parents talk of divorce, some scary violence and scenes (mild for this type of show)
Quick American Born Chinese Show Summary
American Born Chinese is an award-winning graphic novel that deals with cultural assimilation, specifically that of second-generation Chinese. It has three plot lines that tie together at the end. The series deals somewhat with this topic and carries over the major characters. The series, however, is more of a typical coming-of-age set in high school. It does have three plots, although two are clearly tied from the beginning. The third is loosely tied but winds up carrying a lot of weight. Although there are significant differences, the series has received the same positive reviews the book has.
American Born Chinese Show Extended Summary and Review
Jin Wang is a second-generation Chinese student. He has typical issues at home and is trying to fit in at school (including getting the attention of a girl he likes and making the soccer team). On the first day at school, he meets a new student, Wei-Chen. We soon learn that Wei-Chen is the son of Wukong the Monkey King. All of this pretty much follows the graphic novel.
At this point, the graphic novel and the show diverge. The series introduces a 30-year-old TV series that had offensive representations of its primary Asian character, played excellently by Ke Huy Quan. This subplot really carries the cultural issues which were spread throughout the book.
Wei-Chen is on a quest to find the fourth scroll and prevent a revolt in Heaven. He seeks Jin’s aid. Jin is not quite sure, at first, about his claims, and as the series progresses Jin struggles with a “normal” high school life and giving Wei-Chin his help. We see in flashbacks why Bull Demon is seeking to lead a revolt.
So, the show is very much a Disney coming-of-age story, but with the addition of martial arts special effects. The book does not really delve into Jin’s parents; in the series, they are an important subplot that also touches upon the Chinese/American experience. That and the previously mentioned subplot elevate the series above other similar Disney shows. Also, a lot of dialogue is spoken in Mandarin.
The acting is top-notch; performances by Ke Huy Quan and Daniel Wu are real standouts. The effects are well done. Reviews from Asian Americans have been excellent, so it appears the series hit its mark as a good representation.
American Born Chinese Show Discussion Questions
Themes to Discuss: Family, cultural assimilation, diversity
- How do you relate to different cultures? Do you have friends struggling with this?
- Are you familiar with any stories (in books or games) about the Monkey King? Which ones? How did this fit in?
- How much of a struggle is “fitting in”? Why?
- Where did you see characters showing bravery in the series?
- How have things changed for minority groups? How do they still need to change?
Favorite American Born Chinese Show Quotes
I’ve eased the suffering of millions, calmed oceans, I will not be defeated by Swedish furniture.”
You must stop him or everyone will perish.
Remember, power comes from within. It flows from the core.
Jin, a hero doesn’t always have to have superpowers. A hero is someone who goes on a journey, shows courage, helps others.
American Born Chinese Show Quotes
Thanks for reading our American Born Chinese show Review. For further reading see our reviews below
–American Born Chinese Book Review
-The set “Saints/Boxers” by the same author.
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