Watch All in My Family

All in My Family is a heartfelt and personal documentary film directed by Hao Wu that explores the filmmaker's experience coming out as gay to his traditional Chinese family. The film premiered on Netflix in 2019 and runs for a short 39 minutes, but packs an emotional punch as Wu navigates cultural differences, familial pressures, and his own fears and doubts.

The documentary opens with Wu introducing his extended family in China, including his parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews. We learn that he has been living with his partner, Eric, in the United States for over a decade, and that they have recently welcomed twin children via surrogate. Wu's desire to introduce his new family to his Chinese relatives is what drives the narrative, as he grapples with how to broach the topic of his sexuality with family members who may not understand or accept it.

The film is largely told through Wu's confessional-style interviews with the camera, as he shares his thoughts and feelings about his family, his relationship with Eric, and the challenges he faces in trying to reconcile his identity with his cultural heritage. He also includes scenes from his family gatherings, including a lavish 70th birthday party for his father, where he observes his relatives' interactions and prepares to come out to them.

One of the most poignant moments in the film is when Wu finally sits down with his parents to have a candid conversation about his sexual orientation. We witness their initial shock and confusion, as well as their eventual acceptance and support. It is clear that the experience brings Wu and his parents closer together, and allows them to explore their shared sense of love and belonging.

Throughout the film, Wu uses a variety of cinematic techniques to underscore his emotional journey. He incorporates home videos and family photos, as well as shots of his children playing and laughing, to highlight the importance of family in his own life. He also juxtaposes traditional Chinese cultural elements, such as calligraphy and tea ceremonies, with his own contemporary identity, to show how he balances his heritage with his own unique personality.

Another key aspect of the film is the exploration of perceptions of homosexuality in China. Wu interviews a variety of individuals, including his own relatives, to gauge their reactions to his sexual orientation. It is clear that there are varying degrees of acceptance and understanding, and that many people still hold negative stereotypes or misconceptions about LGBTQ individuals. This adds a layer of political and social commentary to the film, as it highlights the continued struggle for LGBTQ rights in China and other parts of the world.

Overall, All in My Family is a touching and personal documentary that highlights the importance of love, family, and acceptance. Hao Wu's heartfelt narration and intimate footage make for a moving viewing experience that will resonate with anyone who has had to reconcile their own identity with familial or cultural expectations. While the film is short, it packs a powerful punch, and will leave viewers with a renewed sense of compassion and understanding.

All in My Family is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.