A clash of two cultures, a drama masquerade in comedy, The Dire Strait delivers a powerhouse message in a small package.
The Dire Strait centers around the Taiwanese practice of "zuo yue zi" (Chinese for sitting the month), a common postpartum formality women follow after giving birth. This cultural practice is exhibited both humorously with dramatic suspense by the new Americanized mother being forced to follow the Taiwanese procedures of "zuo yue zi '' by her strict traditional in-laws.
The Dire Strait reaches audiences who are unfamiliar with foreign culture by utilizing the dichotomy of the Americanized mother and traditional in-laws and evoking the struggles of both sides. The film also paints the Taiwanese cultural aspects of "zuo yue zi" in a dark caricature. Audience members who are Taiwanese born Americans, such as myself, can relate to the struggles of living life in America with a unique cultural background. The film also shows themes that are relatable for all viewers such as a struggle with your in-laws and the after effects of giving birth.
This film has surprising elements of suspense, dark undertones, and occasional humor while simultaneously exploring the cultural collision between traditional and modern life.
