This disappointing documentary spends most of its screen time exploring the personal issues vexing a handful of immature adults from the generation of children born during China's one-child policy, which was implemented 30 years ago. Viewers will meet several young, middle-class Chinese men and women who have clearly thought a lot about the ups and downs of being the only boy or girl growing up at home. On the one hand, says an interviewee, an only child is likely to be raised like royalty given the concentration of parents' hopes, dreams, and devotion. On the other, the eventual care of one's aging mother and father falls exclusively on a lone grown child's shoulders. An only child might enjoy sole access to family resources, but will not benefit from the kind of competition and cooperation that occurs between siblings and prepares them for the wider world. The film continues with these good/bad comparisons, although occasionally it covers more serious terrain, such as the shock and disappointment of parents who find out that their only offspring is gay. The film also notes a few Chinese customs regarding marriage, such as the obligation of a groom's parents to buy the wedded couple a home, while the bride's parents are expected to spring for a car. But too often, filmmaker Sophie Zhang's Only Me Generation serves up material better suited for reality TV, such as a segment on a young mom upset that her baby is getting all of her family's attention. Not recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
Only Me Generation
(2017) 58 min. DVD: $24.99 ($199 w/PPR). Dreamscape Media (<a href="http://www.dreamscapeab.com/">www.dreamscapeab.com</a>). Closed captioned. November 27, 2017
Only Me Generation
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