Nai Nai & Wài Pó

I've never felt so much joy and so much despair in 17 minutes as I did watching this last night. This is equal parts the cutest, most wholesome thing I've ever watched and also one of the most heartbreaking things I've ever watched. Nothing sad happens in the short film itself but it really made me think about life and especially my grandparents (specifically on my dads side), and I realize I haven't seen them for real since like December and it's literally March already. And that makes me really sad, I feel like they're older than the average grandparent, or at least compared to my grandparents on my moms side and I keep forgetting that they're constantly going through health issues and each time I see them could be the last time I see them. So that's one immensely powerful thing about this short documentary, makes me want to spend more time with the people I care about because life isn't fair and can end abt second of any day. So thank you for that Sean Wang. The documentary itself though is genuinely adorable, I loved watching these two old women live their lives and trying to make the most out of the time they have left, especially due to the fact their grandson is there with them and filming their everyday activities. Really bringing out their personalities and making them much more lively people. The two grandmas are also just really cute, being very playfully snarky and making constant jokes, particularly about farts. But there are moments where they talk about their lives and how they lived them, and those are really sweet and I can tell Sean is going to do great things just from this short form of entertainment of his. He has an upcoming feature length film this year called Didi that has gotten rave reviews and I definitely wanna check that out when it releases fully. I definitely recommend checking it out, it's short, sweet, and really funny. Plus it just makes you feel good, and warms the heart. So if you're in the need for a mood boost or just wanna have a fun little time watch this thing. It's quite entertaining.

Nai Nai & Wài Pó is a short film packing a big punch. It's a humorous peek into the lives of two ordinary but extraordinary grandmothers who refuse to allow their zest for life to diminish with age. The talented director, Sean Wang, masterfully captures the essence of his grandmothers' character with inter-spliced images of their playful banter, quiet moments of care, and quick narrative bits. It's the best kind of human interest piece - tender, honest, and inspirational. Though only 17 minutes long, it's packed with a handful of important life lessons, choosing joy being one of them.

It's fun, quirky, and touching, and I can't wait to see what Wang does next.

In "Nai Nai and Wai Po," director Sean Wang tenderly documents the captivating narratives of his grandmothers, offering a poignant glimpse into their lives at the twilight of their journeys. Wang's compassionate portrayal deftly navigates the complexities of aging and mortality, while also steering clear of unpleasant clichés to illuminate the life, resilience and vitality that define his protagonists. It's a film that celebrates the enduring power of familial bonds and the profound impact of shared memories. While confronting the inevitability of farewell, "Nai Nai and Wai Po" transcends sorrow to embrace the richness of human connection, underscoring the significance of love, legacy, and the lasting impression we leave on those we cherish. It is a touching ode to the beauty inherent in life's fleeting moments.

Sean Wang's Academy Award-nominated "Nai Nai & Wài Pó" looks at his grandmothers and how they carry on in their later years. Never sentimental, it shows how these two manage to keep pushing forward and won't let their age wear them down.

I understand that Wang just debuted his next movie, "Dìdi", and the Sundance Film Festival. If this documentary is any indication, then I'm eager to see his upcoming feature. I haven't seen all the nominated documentary shorts, but this one would be justified in winning. These grandmothers are what we should all hope to be in the twilight of our lives.

I found it on Hulu, so definitely check it out.