I want to give all the creative people here benefit of the doubt, but I kept wondering if they're were told either to step it up, or tone it down, to make this a whimsical light-hearted piece loved by all. Ms Lai's character is given the complete checklist of every successful Asian professional - but then she comes across as a whiney Valley Girl? I'm surprised they didn't make the brother gay.
I get this is not "Mulan" or "The Farewell," but if you're playing the Chinese card - especially for the first time on a Lifetime/Hallmark Christmas event - why rely on tropes and formulaic content? Yeah, girl comes home, connects with granny memories, and lives happily ever after with her old boyfriend. Cool. And there's nothing wrong with that, I was just hoping they would take it to another level. At least one we would remember in three weeks.
I get this is not "Mulan" or "The Farewell," but if you're playing the Chinese card - especially for the first time on a Lifetime/Hallmark Christmas event - why rely on tropes and formulaic content? Yeah, girl comes home, connects with granny memories, and lives happily ever after with her old boyfriend. Cool. And there's nothing wrong with that, I was just hoping they would take it to another level. At least one we would remember in three weeks.