I Am What I Am (Chinese: 雄狮少年; pinyin: Xióngshī Shàonián; lit. 'Lion Youth') is a 2021 Chinese animated comedy-drama film directed by Sun Haipeng. The film is notable for its realistic 3D animation style and its grounded portrayal of contemporary Chinese society, departing from the more fantastical elements often seen in mainstream Chinese animation.
Synopsis The story follows A Juan, a young, "left-behind" boy from a rural village in Guangdong, China. He is often looked down upon and lacks ambition until he witnesses a captivating lion dance performance. Inspired, A Juan decides to pursue the art of lion dance. He recruits two friends, A Mao and A Gou, who are also considered social outcasts. Together, they seek guidance from Master Qiang, a former lion dancer who has since become a salted fish vendor. Despite their humble backgrounds, lack of experience, and the skepticism of others, the trio trains relentlessly, facing numerous physical and emotional challenges in their journey to participate in a provincial lion dance competition. The film explores their struggle for recognition, self-discovery, and the pursuit of a seemingly impossible dream.
Themes The film delves into several prominent themes:
- The Underdog Story: It is a classic narrative of marginalized individuals striving to overcome societal expectations and achieve greatness.
- Traditional Culture vs. Modernity: I Am What I Am highlights the rich cultural heritage of the lion dance, contrasting its traditional significance with the realities of modern life and the challenges of preserving such arts.
- Social Realism: Unlike many animated features, the film presents a gritty, down-to-earth depiction of rural China, addressing issues like poverty, migrant workers, and the struggles of "left-behind" children.
- Perseverance and Dreams: The core message revolves around the importance of unwavering determination in the face of adversity and the courage to pursue one's aspirations, regardless of one's background.
- Coming-of-Age: The three protagonists experience significant personal growth and learn valuable life lessons about friendship, responsibility, and self-belief.
Production and Animation I Am What I Am was animated in 3D, but adopted a distinct, more naturalistic style that aimed for realism in character design and environment rendering. The animation team conducted extensive research on lion dance movements and rural Chinese settings to ensure authenticity. The film's visual approach was praised for its originality and its ability to convey emotion and character depth without relying on highly stylized or exaggerated aesthetics.
Reception Upon its release, I Am What I Am received widespread critical acclaim within China and internationally. Critics lauded its compelling storyline, authentic cultural representation, realistic animation, and profound emotional impact. It was particularly praised for its grounded narrative that resonated with audiences by focusing on relatable human struggles rather than fantastical elements. While its initial box office performance was moderate, positive word-of-mouth and strong critical reviews helped its commercial run, establishing it as a significant milestone in Chinese animation. The film was considered a breakthrough for its mature storytelling and its departure from typical animation tropes.