Lucky Fish

Lucky Fish begins with an intimate shot of a bustling Chinese restaurant, the sounds of sizzling food and lively chatter filling the air. The camera pans across the crowded dining area, eventually landing on a young Asian-American boy, Benny (played by Simu Liu), as he waits for his mother to finish ordering at the counter. Benny's eyes wander around the restaurant, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of his family's traditions. He's a bit of a lost soul, struggling to find his place in the world as a first-generation American. Meanwhile, we meet Emily (played by Awkwafina) - a bright and feisty teenager who bursts into the restaurant with her boisterous family. Emily's family is a whirlwind of activity, with her parents, siblings, and grandparents all vying for attention at the dinner table. As they make their way to their table, Emily's parents, Rachel and David, engage in a heated argument about something that looks like it's been simmering for a while. Benny and Emily's paths cross in the bathroom of the restaurant, a quiet oasis amidst the chaos. As they both try to compose themselves, they strike up a conversation, bonding over their shared experiences as Asian-American teens navigating two worlds. They commiserate about the challenges of living between two cultures, and how it can be difficult to find their place in either. The conversation flows easily between them, and they discover a shared passion for music and art. Emily is a talented singer-songwriter, and Benny is a budding photographer. As they talk, they begin to realize that they have more in common than they initially thought. They're both outsiders within their own families, struggling to find acceptance and identity. As the dinner service winds down, Benny and Emily reluctantly part ways, exchanging numbers and making plans to meet up soon. They spend the next few weeks exploring the city together, trying new foods, attending art exhibits, and just enjoying each other's company. Their friendship deepens, and they find solace in knowing that they're not alone in their struggles. However, as their friendship grows, so do the challenges they face. Benny's family is not thrilled about his spending time with Emily, whose family is from a different city and has a more traditional upbringing. Rachel and David see Emily as a "bad influence" on Benny, and they try to encourage him to focus on his studies and traditional pursuits. Meanwhile, Emily's family is dealing with their own issues. Her parents are going through a rough patch, and her siblings are caught in the middle of their parents' arguments. Emily finds herself taking on more responsibility, trying to act as a mediator and peacemaker within her family. As the tensions within their families become more pronounced, Benny and Emily struggle to navigate their relationships with their loved ones. They face challenges and disagreements within their own families, and they begin to question whether their friendship is compatible with their traditional upbringing. Lucky Fish explores the complexities of identity, family, and community through the eyes of two Asian-American teenagers. It's a heartwarming and authentic portrayal of what it means to straddle two cultures and find one's place in the world. Benny and Emily's friendship is a reminder that we don't have to choose between our heritage and our individuality; we can find a way to reconcile our differences and create a new path forward. The film's title, Lucky Fish, is a reference to the Chinese proverb, "May you have a lucky fish that brings you good fortune." In the movie, Benny gives Emily a small, paper-cutout fish as a good luck charm, symbolizing their friendship and the possibilities that lie ahead. As they navigate their families and their futures, Benny and Emily come to realize that their friendship is a source of strength and inspiration - a reminder that we're never alone, and that we can always find our way through the ups and downs of life. The movie culminates in a poignant and powerful finale, as Benny and Emily come together with their families to find a way forward. It's a testament to the transformative power of friendship and the importance of embracing our differences. In the end, Lucky Fish leaves the audience with a sense of hope and possibility, reminding us that we're all in this together, and that we can create a brighter, more loving world by embracing our unique experiences and perspectives.