This atmospheric short captures the discomfort of a young Chinese woman returning to her family after time in an American home.

While the males in the clan find occasion to eat and drink at the banquet hall, the unnamed protagonist (Lydia Zhou) seems out of her element. Her mother senses a problem, but can't find words.

Mom is vaguely intimidated by the Americans who have dropped their daughter off and posed for pictures, without being asked to stay for the meal. She's irked about the clip they've placed in her daughter's hair.

We're surprised to observe our demure young lady kick back a shot, but not to see her make a dash to the bathroom. A cultural norm is not going down easy. And while her mom is game for a try at karaoke, there's no mirth in her song.

The bittersweet sadness of change...

One of those films where nothing much seems to go on but absolutely touched me. The mother's interaction with her children, and their protection of her, gave a lovely poignant authenticity to the film. Well worth watching.