This is a semi-autobiographical movie about an American born Chinese guy who goes to China for the first time after he inherits his Grandmother's home.   It's really a story about self-discovery but is quite amusing at times. 

The most amusing and INCREDIBLY true segment is the Taxi scene where the main character is taken "everywhere but where he wanted to go".   We geese can assure you, that story is REAL...it's true.  The only made up part is that they go to increasingly ridiculous spots (real drivers aren't so creative!).   And when the driver screams "Jiang Jiang Jiang" and the American screams "Mao Mao Mao"...trust our geese, you too will be driven to scream LOUDER AND LOUDER to get the guy to understand where you want to go.   This was not overacted or fake...it's quite funny, especially if you've lived it.  The only other thing that is a bit unbelievable...such a FANCY hotel should have given the innocent American traveler the name card that shows the hotel name in Chinese characters!!!    Then, our hero would never have spent all night driving around Shanghai (or have to pay nearly $100 doing so - which you'll see if you see the deleted scenes).

The other interesting thing is that it seems that the film was "written" as they went.  You'll see this if you see the different directions that the deleted scenes go in and listen to the commentary.  One interesting note from the commentary...in order to get permission to film in China the script and resulting footage had to be reviewed by the government.  Some of the scenes were altered to make the government happier (but are in the deleted scenes).  We must admit that the final film was probably the best...but it's interesting to see how it evolved.

This movie was a definite "must watch", especially for people who have never been to China.  :)