An American in China

Watch An American in China

  • PG-13
  • 2007
  • 1 hr 30 min
  • 5.0  (253)

An American in China is a heartwarming comedy-drama film that tells the story of a young American man named Jake (played by James Snyder) who travels to China in search of adventure and purpose. Jake, a recent college graduate and a self-proclaimed underachiever, is feeling lost and uncertain about his future. So, when he receives an opportunity to travel to China as a last-minute replacement for a business partner of his father's who fell ill, he jumps at the chance.

As soon as Jake arrives in China, he is overwhelmed by the vibrancy and energy of the country. He decides to document his experiences by creating a travelogue video, which becomes a recurring theme throughout the movie. Jake is joined by his Chinese interpreter, Xiao (played by Sun Fei Fei) and together they embark on a journey through the country's rural and urban landscapes, discovering the beauty and complexities of China along the way.

Jake's initial plans were to only spend a few days in China and return home, but as he experiences the country's cultural richness and meets new people, he starts to see himself differently. The movie illustrates the transformation that takes place in both Jake and Xiao as they forge a deep friendship that transcends the differences in their backgrounds and cultures.

The film explores many themes, including the exploration of tradition and modernization in China, cultural exchange between countries, and the human aspirations for a fulfilling, purposeful life. The director, Ron Berrett, does an excellent job of weaving these themes through the story without it feeling preachy or contrived.

As Jake progresses in his journey, he is presented with various challenges and obstacles that test his mettle, but he rises up to the occasion in surprisingly effective ways, often with the help of those around him. He is also introduced to Jian Bing, a young Chinese girl who is a student of martial arts and who shares her insights about Chinese culture with him. The interactions between Jake and Jian Bing are both humorous and touching and add greatly to the film's portrayal of cultural exchange.

One of the most significant takeaways from the film is how it shows that the most significant experiences may take place outside of one's comfort zone. For Jake, who was initially hesitant about travelling to China and perhaps even changing anything about his life, the journey proves to be a transformative one.

Despite some moments where the pacing of the movie feels a little slow, the script, acting, and visuals are all top-notch. The cast delivers strong performances throughout, with James Snyder successfully capturing Jake's entire spectrum of emotions, from impetuousness to awe. Sun Fei Fei's portrayal of Xiao is refreshing, and she brings vitality to her character in a way that feels authentic.

Overall, An American in China is a thought-provoking film that taps into the universal human connection while showcasing an often-misunderstood but fascinating country. The story gracefully addresses issues such as the differences between Eastern and Western cultures and how communication, respect, and an open mind can lead to remarkable experiences. The director does an excellent job of creating a world onscreen that is both enlightening and engaging. Anyone looking for a charming and insightful film will undoubtedly enjoy An American in China.

An American in China is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.

Description
Where to Watch An American in China
An American in China is available to watch, stream, download and on demand at FlixFling. Some platforms allow you to rent An American in China for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.0  (253)