One Line Review: Found depicts the journey of Sadie, Lily, and Chloe to China following a DNA test in which they encounter various cultures and notions.
YouTube Trailer Found
Starring: Amanda Lipitz, Lily Bolka, Chloe Lipitz, Sadie Mangelsdorf
Director: Amanda Lipitz
Release Date: Oct 9 2021
Introduction
Found is a social and cultural documentary film directed by Amanda Lipitz that is currently available for streaming on Netflix. The film has a running time of 1 hour and 38 minutes and is available in English and Mandarin with English subtitles, among other languages.
Plot Summary
In the aftermath of DNA tests revealing that they are cousins, three girls who were adopted by different American families travel to China in the hope of meeting their biological parents.
Story of Sadie
“Find” is a touching story about three Chinese-American girls named Sadie, Lily, and Chloe who are adopted and raised by white families in the United States of America. Fortunately, the girls discovered that they are cousins as a result of the 23andMe test. Sadie, Lily, and Chloe are completely oblivious to their biological parents and their cultural background. Initially, the girls were abandoned on the streets by their families, and they were eventually placed in orphanages, only to be adopted by foster families later on. Because of their eagerness to find each other, the title of the documentary reveals the significance of the title. They join forces in order to better understand their heritage and embark on a journey to China.
Sadie, Lily, and Chloe decide to go on a journey of self-discovery that will take them back to their birthplace and also allow them to meet their biological parents. The screenplay is straightforward and unpretentious, with a strong emphasis on the choices made by the characters rather than on biased and prejudiced viewpoints or sensational revelations. The journey to China is filled with the scenic beauty of the country as they travel through different regions of it. Along with the journey of self-discovery, it also becomes a trip of bonding and connections for the cousins who are traveling together. Their entire journey is covered from beginning to end, and Sadie, Lily, and Chloe are constantly subjected to questions about their reactions. One can establish a connection with their emotions based on their unfiltered reactions to the events that led to them.
Cultural Touch
Found is not only about a cultural journey of self-discovery, but it also touches on the delicate subject of social stigmas, which forces parents to give up on their children in order to avoid social stigma. China’s single-child policy, poverty, and the societal desire for a boy child are three major factors that could have prompted the girl’s parents to abandon them, according to the report. Except for social and cultural norms, there is no other sensitive subject that will be addressed in this article.
Despite the fact that they are native to the country in which they are currently exploring, the cousins are unable to integrate into the local culture because they were all raised in white American families and are well acquainted with their traditions and culture. Another issue that the girls are dealing with is the language barrier, as they have shared their experiences of being called names because they have non-cultural values in their hearts. They were ridiculed for not being able to communicate in their native language, which is Chinese.
Each and every moment of their trip to China is thoroughly enjoyed by the girls, who make the most of their time there. Due to the fact that it is a slender dig into their private chain reaction to their realism, the journey is emotionally and mentally demanding. Seeing the reactions of the foster parents to their children’s journey is also priceless, as they are overcome with emotion while remaining committed to providing unwavering support to their daughters.
Into the picture steps Liu Hao, a researcher and resident of Beijing who is dedicated to helping girls discover the identities of their birth families. The following segment of the documentary depicts Liu’s exhaustive investigation and research into the mystery in order to solve it. Liu also speaks with the girls’ biological families about their current state of affairs following the girls’ abandonment, and the emotional outburst that results is heartbreaking.
Conclusion
Found is a beautiful attempt that demonstrates mixed emotions and a vague approach to the scenario, as the girls accept their current situation and make peace with their biological families without any perplexing emotions arising from their experiences. The story takes a turn for the worse when the title is revealed, as it brings utter joy to Sadie, Lily, and Chloe to have found each other for better or worse.
