Now Reading
‘American Born Chinese’ Starts Slow But Will Grow On You [Review]

‘American Born Chinese’ Starts Slow But Will Grow On You [Review]

Disney’s American Born Chinese is a fun and bold tale that also reimagines the Chinese mythological stories we know.

Subscribe to our Telegram channel or follow us on the Lumi News app for the latest stories and updates.


Disney Plus’s American Born Chinese is based on a graphic novel of the same name by Gene Luen Yang. It chronicles the story of a high schooler, Jin Wang, who made a new friend at school, Wei-Chen, and got entangled in a war between Chinese heavenly gods.

The series stars new and familiar names such as Ben Wang as Jin Wang, Jimmy Liu as Wei-Chen, Michelle Yeoh as Goddess Guan Yin, Daniel Wu as Sun Wukong aka the Monkey King, Chin Han as Jin’s father Simon Wang, Leonard Wu as Niu Mowang aka the Bull Demon, Ronny Chieng as Ji Gong aka the Mad Monk, Stephanie Hsu as Shiji Niangniang aka the Goddess of Stones, and James Hong as the Jade Emperor.

Ben Wang as Jin Wang and Jimmy Liu as Wei-Chen in American Born Chinese. Image: Disney

What to expect?

American Born Chinese is like a Disney teen show but with Marvel’s action. It might remind some audience members of old shows like American Dragon: Jake Long and Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior.

Since the show is mainly set in high school around teenagers, the story comes with the usual friendship troubles, school problems, and family issues.

For what it’s worth, it’s refreshing to see the story’s protagonist, Jin Wang, not being the loser character. Don’t get me wrong. Jin Wang still has his awkward tendencies, but he’s trying new hobbies and activities in school.

He had to work hard to get a spot in the school’s football team and faced some hurdles along the way.

The show’s kung fu action scenes aren’t too shabby either because the same stunt coordinator in Shang-Chi choreographed the fight scenes in American Born Chinese.

Yeo Yann Yann as Christine Wang and Chin Han as Simon Wang in American Born Chinese. Image: Disney

It’s also another breath of fresh air to see Asian parents portrayed positively. Often, Asian parents have been depicted in negative stereotypes such as the Tiger Mum shtick or a nearly abusive household, but we see none of it here.

I loved seeing the relationship between Jin’s parents Christine and Simon, played by Yeo Yann Yann and Chin Han respectively. Christine thinks forward and tries to encourage her husband who has lost his ambition and courage. That’s not to say they didn’t have their heightened emotional spats too.

The humour in the show comes at the right time. Without giving much away, it was funny to see a goddess struggling to put together Ikea furniture and the impression it left on her until the end.

Parts of the dialogue are spoken in Mandarin which gives the emotional scenes some authentic depth.

Daniel Wu as Sun Wukong aka the Monkey King in American Born Chinese. Image: Disney

Any gripes?

Personally, I found the pacing of the story a little slow, but it’s a show that will grow on you. I think I found it slow because Jin was supposed to be Wei-Chen’s guide, but he barely did any guiding.

His character seemed pretty much useless and only tagged along Wei-Chen in all of the episodes. Perhaps it’s to show how selfish the character was as he focused more on school activities and dating than helping his friend. I have not read the graphic novel so I couldn’t say if it was written the same way.

Michelle Yeoh as Guan Yin, the goddess of mercy in American Born Chinese. Image: Disney

Should you skip or watch it?

I think American Born Chinese is a show that’ll appeal to and remain relatable to the younger audience. It’s a fun and bold coming-of-age story that also reimagines the Chinese mythology we have heard about since childhood.

All episodes of American Born Chinese are on Disney Plus Hotstar now.


Share your thoughts with us via TRP’s FacebookTwitter, and Instagram.

Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.

© 2024 The Rakyat Post. All Rights Reserved. Owned by 3rd Wave Media Sdn Bhd