There are stories about new immigrants, but this is a story maybe 40 years later, when the family has expanded to 3 generations, and relationships have gotten complicated. There is still. however, the conflict between old-world values and new-world ones. This is a satisfying look at one possible family situation.
Bing has sacrificed his life to his family, immigrating from Hong Kong to Canada, and initially taking any job available. His wife Maria is stuck between home, the Chinatown market, and the recreation centre, given her limited English, inability to drive, and Bing's pride.
After the family celebration of Bing's 65th birthday, he runs off, and next morning Maria finds women's underwear in his pants pocket. This leads Maria to finally try to build her independence, earn some money, and track down the "other woman".
There are subplots that involve their daughter, son, and neighbors. The subplots show how controlling Bing tries to be, and how much he needs to save face, even if he has behavior that cannot be exposed. There are some minor problems, like Maria learning to ride a bike, and occasionally with the subtitles simplifying what is said. A reasonable amount of the dialogue is in Cantonese, with a little Mandarin thrown in.
The acting by the principals is good, the setting is natural, and the technical aspects serve the story without drawing attention.
Review of Meditation Park
