Cba Chinese Born American Book
Cba Chinese Born American Book: A Review of Disney+'s Adaptation of Gene Luen Yang's Graphic Novel
Cba Chinese Born Chinese Book is a new Disney+ show based on the best-selling graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang. It tells the stories of three different characters who struggle with their Chinese American identity in different ways: Jin Wang, a high school student who faces racism and bullying; Sun Wukong, the Monkey King who rebels against the heavenly order; and Jamie, a Hollywood actor who is trapped in a demeaning role. The show explores themes such as racism, assimilation, self-esteem, friendship, and family through a mix of comedy, drama, fantasy, and action. In this article, we will review the show's plot, characters, themes, messages, and differences from the graphic novel.
Introduction
Cba Chinese Born Chinese Book is a show that doesn't bother to explain itself. It assumes that its viewers are familiar with or curious about Chinese culture, history, mythology, and language. It doesn't shy away from showing the harsh realities of racism and discrimination that many Chinese Americans face in their daily lives. It also doesn't hold back from celebrating the richness and diversity of Chinese American experiences and perspectives. It is a show that is confident in its own voice and vision.
The show follows three main characters who are all played by Asian actors. Jin Wang (Ben Wang) is a teenager who moves from San Francisco to a predominantly white suburb in New Jersey. He tries to fit in with his peers by hiding his Chinese heritage and changing his appearance. He also develops a crush on Amelia (Anna Akana), a popular white girl who seems to like him back. However, he faces challenges from both his classmates and his parents who have different expectations for him. His only friend is Wei-Chen (Jim Liu), a new student from Taiwan who turns out to be Sun Wukong's son.
Sun Wukong (Daniel Wu) is the Monkey King from Journey to the West, a classic Chinese novel. He is a powerful and mischievous deity who can transform into any shape and fly on a cloud. He is also arrogant and rebellious, as he challenges the authority of the Jade Emperor (James Hong) and Buddha (Ken Jeong) in heaven. He is banished to Earth for 500 years, where he disguises himself as a human and tries to find his son, Wei-Chen, who has run away from home.
Jamie (Ke Huy Quan) is a former child star who is best known for playing Freddy Wong, a stereotypical Chinese character in a 90s sitcom. He is haunted by his past and ashamed of his role, which he took to please his immigrant parents who wanted him to succeed in America. He is now a struggling actor who can't get any decent roles or respect from the industry. He is also lonely and depressed, as he has no friends or family to support him.
The Storylines
Jin Wang's High School Struggles
Jin Wang's storyline is the most realistic and relatable one, as it depicts the common challenges that many Chinese American teenagers face in their high school years. Jin Wang has to deal with racism and bullying from his classmates, who mock his name, appearance, accent, food, and culture. He also has to deal with his own internalized racism and self-hatred, as he tries to erase his Chinese identity and become more Americanized. He dyes his hair blond, wears contact lenses, changes his clothes, and adopts a new nickname: Danny.
Jin Wang's friendship with Wei-Chen is one of the highlights of the show, as it shows how two different Chinese American boys can bond over their shared experiences and differences. Wei-Chen is more confident and proud of his Chinese heritage than Jin Wang, as he speaks Mandarin fluently, practices martial arts, and listens to Chinese pop music. He also has a more adventurous and rebellious spirit than Jin Wang, as he sneaks out at night, rides a motorcycle, and gets into fights. He tries to help Jin Wang embrace his Chinese side and stand up for himself.
Jin Wang's crush on Amelia is another major plot point of the show, as it shows how Jin Wang navigates his romantic feelings and cultural barriers. Amelia is a friendly and outgoing girl who seems to like Jin Wang for who he is. She invites him to hang out with her friends, compliments him on his drawings, and even kisses him on the cheek. However, she also has her own prejudices and ignorance about Chinese culture, as she makes insensitive comments and jokes about Jin Wang's family, food, and traditions. She also has a boyfriend named Greg (Jake Short), who is a racist jerk who bullies Jin Wang.
Sun Wukong's Heavenly Adventures
Sun Wukong's storyline is the most fantastical and exciting one, as it depicts the epic adventures of the Monkey King in heaven and on Earth. Sun Wukong is a charismatic and charismatic character who has amazing abilities and a witty personality. He is also a complex and flawed character who has a rebellious streak and a desire to prove himself. He wants to be recognized and respected by the other gods in heaven, but he also wants to be free from their rules and restrictions.
Sun Wukong's rebellion against the Jade Emperor and Buddha is one of the most thrilling scenes of the show, as it shows how Sun Wukong challenges the heavenly order and faces the consequences. Sun Wukong crashes a banquet in heaven where he eats all the food, drinks all the wine, and declares himself the Great Sage Equal to Heaven. He then fights against the heavenly army, defeats several powerful gods, and escapes from various traps. He even steals the Jade Emperor's golden staff, which can change its size and weight according to his will. However, he meets his match when he encounters Buddha, who bets him that he can't jump out of his palm. Sun Wukong accepts the challenge, but fails miserably when he realizes that Buddha's palm encompasses the whole universe.
Sun Wukong's mentorship of Wei-Chen is another important aspect of the show, as it shows how Sun Wukong grows as a father figure and a teacher. Sun Wukong loves his son dearly, but he also has high expectations for him. He wants him to follow in his footsteps and become a great warrior and leader. However, Wei-Chen has different interests and goals than his father. He wants to live a normal life on Earth with his friends and explore his own identity. He also resents his father for being absent and controlling. Sun Wukong tries to understand his son better and support him in his own way.
Jamie's Hollywood Career
Jamie's storyline is the most tragic and