Xie Xie, Ollie
2023 · 9m · Canada
Directed by James Michael Chiang
Genres: comedy, coming-of-age, drama
Tones: contemplative, humorous, tender
A biracial man, neither fully white nor fully Chinese, signs up for Mandarin classes in an attempt to connect with the Chinese heritage he feels estranged from, only to confront how complicated belonging can be.
Picked by Zoe
The scouts
It's a tidy little identity-crisis narrative that lands exactly where you'd expect it to—touching, sure, but it never risks the mess that would make it genuinely unsettling. The semi-autobiographical angle feels more like permission to play it safe than permission to go weird.
Chiang demonstrates real formal restraint in how he frames the classroom scenes and the gaps between dialogue, situating this gentle essay on belonging within a lineage of intimate character studies that understand the weight of small, observed moments.
The casting choice—bringing his actual brother in to excavate these real moments together—creates an authenticity in the silences that a traditional actor couldn't manufacture; it's the kind of trust between collaborators that lets the comedy breathe without cheapening the ache.
Reviews
A nuanced, intimate and delicate portrait of a man caught between two worlds, trying to build his own identity with a delightful dash of humor.
Oliver Chiang's portrayal of the titular lead character is nothing short of impressive.
Festivals
- Toronto International Film Festival 2023
- New Hampshire Film Festival 2023
- Vancouver Asian Film Festival 2023
- Aspen Shortsfest 2024
- Norwegian Short Film Festival, TIFF Presentation 2024
- Future of Film Showcase 2024, Best Canadian Short
- Palm Springs International ShortFest 2024