The Half of It
dir. Alice Wu · 2020
Feature
Coming of Age
Mood
Romantic / Melancholic
Look
warm, intimate cinematography with a focus on suburban landscapes
Structure
episodic with a focus on character development
Plot
A shy, introverted, Chinese-American, straight-A student finds herself helping the school jock woo the girl they both secretly love. In the process, each teaches the other about the nature of love as they find connection in the most unlikely of places.
Why watch
"The Half of It" is a tender exploration of love and identity, where a shy, introverted girl navigates the complexities of first love and cultural dislocation through unexpected friendships and heartfelt letters. This coming-of-age story resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider in their own life.
Talking points
- the nature of love and friendship
- cultural identity and belonging
- the impact of social expectations on youth
- the role of communication in relationships
Cultural context
Asian-American representationhigh school social dynamicsthe immigrant experience in contemporary AmericaLGBTQ+ themes in youth culture