Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Village boy pursues his dream in animated tale; violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
I Am What I Am
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A Juan (Li Xin) is a Chinese village boy who dreams of becoming a lion dancer in I AM WHAT I AM. But pursuing his dream means overcoming poverty, hardship, and balancing adult responsibilities. Can A Juan rise above his circumstances with courageous steps, or was he born to be stepped on?
Is It Any Good?
This animated tale gives traditional lion dancing the cultural spotlight it deserves. Combining visually-stunning animation, flowing camerawork, a heartfelt story, and an array of lovable characters set against the odds, this rare gem of a film is a love letter to Chinese culture. Powerful and emotionally captivating, the movie and its themes of identity, overcoming obstacles, and hope will linger with audiences long after the film fades to black.
The film is not perfect; the fat shaming and looks shaming are completely unnecessary. However, families looking for a nontraditional underdog story that highlights integrity, honor, and personal growth will find much to enjoy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of lion dancing in this film. What did you learn about the history and culture surrounding this art form? Why do you think the filmmakers chose to feature this cultural tradition?
Have you ever felt underestimated like A Juan? What motivated you to keep going? What dream are you willing to work toward, even if it's difficult?
Did the film's ending surprise you? Why do you think the filmmakers chose to go against the usual "happily ever after" ending? Did this ending feel more realistic? Why or why not?
What character strengths did A Juan and others display here?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : December 17, 2021
- Cast : Li Xin , Yexiong Chen , Hao Guo
- Director : Haipeng Sun
- Studio : Beijing Splendid Culture & Entertainment Co., Ltd.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Competition , Family Stories , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : August 8, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate