Animation,Family,Fantasy
United States of America
Bao is a Pixar short film directed by Domee Shi, which premiered in 2018 alongside Incredibles 2. The film tells the story of a Chinese-Canadian woman, who is struggling with loneliness after her son leaves home to pursue his dreams. She finds solace in making dumplings, but one day, one of them comes to life as a cute, pudgy dumpling boy.
At first, the woman is delighted by her new "son" and takes care of him as if he were a real child. But as the dumpling boy grows more independent and assertive, she faces a conflict between her maternal instincts and her need to let go. The film explores themes of parenthood, identity, and cultural assimilation, as well as the tensions between tradition and modernity.
Bao is notable for being Pixar's first film directed by a woman of color and for its portrayal of Chinese culture and cuisine. The title "bao" refers to both the steamed dumplings and the slang term for a baby. The film features a mix of 2D and 3D animation, with attention to detail in the textures and colors of the food. The score by Toby Chu incorporates Chinese instruments and melodies, and the film includes a scene of a family gathering to eat dim sum, a popular Cantonese tradition.
Overall, Bao received critical acclaim for its emotional storytelling and visual creativity, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. The film has resonated with audiences around the world, particularly those from Asian backgrounds who relate to the themes of intergenerational conflict and cultural identity.
