Watch Maineland

Maineland is a 2017 documentary film that focuses on the lives of two teenagers from China who leave their hometowns to attend a boarding school in Maine, USA. The film explores their experiences as they navigate through a new country, a new culture, and a new way of life. The two main characters, Stella and Harry, come from affluent families in China and are sent to the Fryeburg Academy in the small town of Fryeburg, Maine, for their high school education. The film follows their journey from the bustling city of Shanghai to the rural and quiet town of Fryeburg, where they have to adjust to a very different way of life.

The two teenagers are shown to be very different in personality and interests. Stella is outgoing and confident, while Harry is shy and reserved. Stella is also very interested in fashion and pop culture, while Harry is more interested in science and engineering. However, despite their differences, they both face similar challenges as they try to adjust to their new surroundings.

The film documents their experiences over the course of several years, as they settle into their new lives, make friends, and discover new passions. They are shown to be very industrious, studying hard and participating in extracurricular activities. They also take advantage of the opportunities presented to them in America, such as internships and travel.

The film also delves into the idea of the 'American Dream', and how it is perceived by those who come from other countries. Stella and Harry, being from affluent families in China, have a different perspective on what the American Dream means to them. They seem to see it more as an opportunity to experience a new way of life and to broaden their horizons, rather than a means to financial success.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of longing for home that both Stella and Harry feel. They miss their families, their friends, and the familiarity of their culture. This is particularly evident during the Chinese New Year celebrations, where they try to recreate the traditions and customs of their homeland.

In addition to Stella and Harry's personal experiences, the film also sheds light on the broader issues of immigration and globalization. It shows how the influx of wealthy international students into schools in the United States can have an impact on the local communities. The local economy in Fryeburg is shown to benefit from the presence of the international students, but there is also a sense of cultural clash between the American and Chinese students.

Overall, Maineland is a thought-provoking and insightful film that provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of two Chinese teenagers who come to America to study. It explores themes of identity, culture, and globalization, and raises important questions about the impact of immigration on local communities. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the experiences of international students in the United States.

Maineland is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 60.