TV: AMERICAN BORN CHINESE: NAVIGATING MYTHICAL BATTLES AND ADOLESCENT STRUGGLES

BY IRVIN RIVERA

Step into the vibrant world American Born Chinese, an action-packed comedy series created by Kelvin Yu exclusively for Disney+. Bursting with martial-arts sequences, fantastical elements, and a heartfelt coming-of-age narrative, the show invites viewers to join tenth-grader Jin Wang on his journey to find his place in a world where multiple cultures collide. Drawing inspiration from the 2006 graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang, the series masterfully blends Chinese folk tales, mystical elements from "Journey to the West," and the personal experiences of its creator, resulting in a captivating tale of identity, friendship, and self-discovery.

"American Born Chinese" gracefully tackles the challenges faced by Jin Wang, a relatable teenager navigating the complex dynamics of high school while balancing his home life. When he unexpectedly becomes entangled in a battle between mythical Chinese gods, including the mischievous Sun Wukong (Daniel Wu) and the wise Guanyin (Michelle Yeoh), Jin's world expands in extraordinary ways. This fusion of everyday struggles and ancient legends is where the show truly shines.

As the series unfolds, Jin's search for identity takes center stage, exploring themes of assimilation, acculturation, racism, friendship, and betrayal. While it admirably attempts to address these complex topics, there are moments when the show's ambition to say too much can slightly dilute its impact. The narrative could benefit from tighter focus and greater clarity to ensure that its numerous themes are delivered with more precision.

PHOTO: Jim Liu, Michelle Yeon by DISNEY / CARLOS LOPEZ-CALLEJA

One aspect that could have been explored more deeply is the character of Freddy Wong, portrayed by the talented Key Huy Quan. As a formerly racist sitcom actor turned English professor, Freddy's transformation serves as an opportunity to shed light on the no-longer acceptable Chinese-racist caricature, Freddy Wong (a TV role in a ’90s sitcom that required him to deliver a punny, lazy catchphrase “What could go Wong?”). However, his limited interaction with the main cast feels somewhat disjointed and less effective in conveying the intended message. It would have been intriguing to witness Freddy engage more directly with the major characters, enhancing the impact of his presence.

Despite these minor flaws, the show captivates with its easy confidence and a refreshing blend of genres. The show's tone and vibe may remind viewers of Disney+'s "Ms. Marvel" series, as both share a similar coming-of-age storytelling style. The exceptional performances by Ben Wang and Jimmy Liu, who bring Jin Wang and Wei Chen to life, are a highlight of the series. They flawlessly capture the essence of teenagers yearning to prove themselves while stumbling on their hero's journey.

In many ways, the show brilliantly captures the overarching metaphor of the immigrant experience—feeling perpetually caught between worlds. The exploration of Jin's struggle to navigate and evolve in two disparate cultures resonates deeply, offering a relatable and thought-provoking narrative.

Overall, it is an exhilarating series that immerses viewers in a world where adolescence collides with mythical battles. Kelvin Yu's creation successfully blends martial arts, Chinese folklore, and personal experiences to deliver a captivating coming-of-age tale. While the show could benefit from a more focused and streamlined narrative delivery, it remains an enjoyable and enriching experience. With its exceptional performances and a poignant exploration of identity, "American Born Chinese" invites audiences to embrace the uniqueness and nuances of Asian culture while pondering the universal themes of self-discovery and belonging.