I Am What I Am (2021 film)
| I Am What I Am | |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 雄獅少年 |
| Simplified Chinese | 雄狮少年 |
| Literal meaning | Male lion boy |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Xióngshī Shàonián |
| Jyutping | Hung4si1 Siu3nin4 |
| Directed by | Sun Haipeng |
| Written by | Li Zelin |
| Produced by |
|
| Edited by | Ye Xiang |
| Music by | Luan Hui |
Production company | Yi Animation |
Release dates | |
Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | China |
| Languages | |
I Am What I Am (simplified Chinese: 雄狮少年; traditional Chinese: 雄獅少年; pinyin: Xióngshī Shàonián; Jyutping: Hung4si1 Siu3nin4; lit. 'Male lion boy') is a 2021 Chinese computer-animated comedy-drama film directed by Sun Haipeng.[1][2]
Plot
A young Chinese lacking self-confidence must overcome doubt to compete in the Guangzhou lion dance championship.
Controversy
A trailer for I Am What I Am attracted controversy on Weibo for being offensive due to the perceived exaggerated slanted eyes of the Chinese characters.[3] Producer Zhang Miao defended the character design as aesthetic confidence as opposed to a traditional Western design of Asian characters in animation.[4][5]
Reception
The movie was widely praised despite its modest box office takings.[6][7]
References
- ^ a b c d "Xióngshī Shàonián" 雄狮少年 (in Simplified Chinese). Douban. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
- ^ Zhang Rui (December 19, 2021). "I Am What I Am captures realistic approach for Chinese animators". China.org.cn.
- ^ Dudok de Wit, Alex (January 13, 2022). "Controversial Indie Feature I Am What I Am Is Most Popular Chinese Film Of New Year Period". Cartoon Brew.
- ^ Dudok de Wit, Alex (December 31, 2021). "'Slanted Eyes' In Chinese Indie Film I Am What I Am Spark Backlash". Cartoon Brew.
- ^ "《雄狮少年》回应主角眯眯眼争议：展现审美自信". Sina Corporation. December 17, 2021.
- ^ "China's 'lion dance' animation comedy lauded despite tepid earnings". China Daily.
- ^ "China's "lion dance" animation comedy leads audience satisfaction survey". Xinhua. Xinhua News Agency.
External links
