All language subtitles for Dim.Sum.Funeral.2008.720p.WEBRip.x264.AAC-[YTS.MX].ENG

Elizabeth here.

Alex:
God. Hold on, Jane.

Hello?

Man:
Cut! Cut!

Like that. Got it?

Just relax.
You'll be okay.

Okay?

Your dragon mother.

Hello?

Meimei:
He's such a jerk.

My mother dies,
and he doesn't want me
leaving for the funeral.

Don't call
my brother a jerk.

You do.

Of course.
I'm his sister.

He's not a very
good director.

I know.

But he's my
younger brother.

What am I gonna do?

Kick his ass?

Okay.

Mom, why are you
so sad?

Grandma was a total bitch.

She treated us like shit.

Jason, where are you
learning to talk like this?

School.

Oh.

Well, Grandma wasn't
all that bad.

She was just

Well, she was Chinese.

Do you have to
go out tonight?

I'm introducing
the new Miss Taiwan

to all of Manhattan.

Well, our plane leaves
early in the morning

Darling,

I'm not going tomorrow.

Cindy

My mother's dead.

And your daughter
has a dance recital on Friday.

Priorities?

Look, I thought as a family
we could

We could pretend that we
actually liked the Dragon Lady?

Look, we'll come after
Emily's recital.

By the way,

will your mistress
be joining us in Seattle?

Jane, right?

So how did Grandma die?

Oh, Emily

Viola:
I'm glad you all
decided to come.

Your mother
had one request:

A traditional
Chinese funeral.

It takes seven days.

Seven days?
We never did that for Dad.

Dad didn't request it,
Mother did.

Alex:
Yeah, but seven days?

What, your patients
can't put off

their Botox injections
for a week?

Viola, thank you.

We will do everything
we can to give Mother

a traditional
Chinese funeral.

But how?
We're Americans.

Yeah, Alex and I don't
even speak Chinese.

Well, Elizabeth, you know
something about it, don't you?

You live in Hong Kong.

No, I really don't know
anything about it.

Sorry, Viola.
Oh.

Our mother didn't want us
to be raised Chinese,

that's why
she hired you.

Well, I happen to know
a hell of a lot

about traditional
Chinese funerals.

I was Chinese
in a previous life.

Alex:
Oh, God. Give me a break.

Alex, I've been in this family
since you were in diapers.

So please.

You missed her
70th birthday.

I was gonna come over,
really.

I just didn't wanna be
the only one.

You didn't call.
None of you did.

I mailed a card.

Got here two days late.

Viola, thank you for
taking care of her and us.

But you have no right
to say any of this.

Your mother had cancer.

What?

She never told us.

You never asked her
how she felt.

She died alone.

And look at you kids.

Do you ever
talk to each other?

When was the last time
you were together?

Stop that.
Enough already.

Elizabeth,
why isn't Michael with you?

We separated
almost a year ago

just after Sammy died.

I'm sorry.

Look, our mother spent
her entire life

pitting us
against each other

and hardly had a kind word
for any of us.

Well, her last words
were that she loved you,

and hoped
you'd forgive her.

Now, the first thing

you have to do
is get some monks.

Chanting monks.

And why can't you
arrange that?

Okay, fine.
Chanting monks.

How many, and where
do I get them?

At the temple.
I know the place.

According to tradition,
children of the deceased

must kneel at the shrine
three times a day

10 minutes each,
and before bedtime.

Has anyone
heard from Meimei?

Oh, you really think
she's gonna come?

Victoria:
I can't believe she's gone.

The last time we spoke,
I hung up on her.

Me too.

I was such
a disappointment to her.

Hey, we all were.

I dreamt about this.

It was a nightmare.

Awful.

She had died, and we

What? We what?

We didn't care, Alex.

That was the awful part.

My, my

isn't this
a Kodak moment?

Meimei. Dede.

Hey.
Where's the body?

Uh, at the
funeral parlor.

Mm-hm.
Mm.

What's all this?

A shrine.

Wow, this is so cool.

We don't even have this
in China anymore.

A shrine?
Yes.

For dead people.
Ghosts.

You wanna try this?
Ha-ha.

Mama.
Meimei.

Mama.

Meimei.

Meimei. Meimei.
Mommy!

Oh, Mama!

You left us too soon!
Meimei.

That's really
bad acting.

Yeah, Meimei,
there are no cameras here.

Get up.

Your mom's dead.

Can't you just try and be nice
to each other for once?

You're not family.

And you're
not welcome here.

Alex, you asshole.

You didn't eat a thing.

I have to keep my figure.

Ever seen a fat ninja?

Eat.

I subscribed
to your magazine.

I read your column
every month.

I saw your last film.
It was very good.

No, it wasn't.

Okay.

Liz

I know you're angry at me.

I'm sorry I didn't come
to Sammy's funeral.

I am.

I just I

You were on location.
It's fine.

No, it's not.

Damn it, Liz,
just say how you feel.

All right.
It was not fine.

So that's why you
and Michael broke up?

Do you still
see him sometimes?

He flew in from Los Angeles
about a month ago

and spent
the weekend with me.

Do you still love him?

You believe in love?

Oh, Liz.

Absolutely.

Hm. You really
can't be that naive.

You sound just like Mom.

No, I don't.

Dede and I are planning
on having a baby.

You're gonna hate me?

A baby? How?

Sperm. Heh.

We just need some sperm.

Oh, sperm.
Right, of course.

Are you gonna hate me?

No.
Stop asking me that.

Excuse me.

What's with her?

She lost her son.

Yes, I know that.

Jane:
I want you
to unbutton your shirt.

I want you to feel my tongue

licking across your lips.

My hands
slowly sliding up your thigh.

No, n-not right now.

Not right now.

Ten minutes.

Victoria:
Viola.

We should go
to the funeral home now

to, you know, see her.

Well, you will see her
on the day of the funeral

when she's all made-up
and looking pretty.

Now, those were
your mother's wishes

and vanity
was her middle name.

What do you think?
Him.

Sperm donor.

Victoria:
Dede, please.

Excuse me.
We're trying to make a baby.

Ugh. That's disgusting.
What did you say?

Look who's talking.

Slut.

Hey, why don't you just shut
your nasty little

Stop it, all right?
We're only here seven days. Hm?

Viola:
And there's a lot to do
in these seven days.

We have to notify
friends and relatives.

Cemetery, tombstone.

Things for your mother's
afterlife,

which we will then burn.

The banquet, the eulogy,

some Chinese call it
the résumé.

And then on the fifth day,
people will come

and they'll pay
their respects
It's kind of embarrassing

that you know all of this
and we don't.

Isn't it?

Alex, when is Cindy
gonna be here?

Yeah,
where is the ice queen?

Oh, don't tell me
Miss Taiwan 1993

is not coming.

Cindy will be here
on the weekend.

Emily has a recital.

She didn't wanna come
any earlier

because she can't stand
any of you.

Sometimes I don't blame her.

Whatever.

Victoria:
Just feel the feng shui here.

Look at the sunlight
and the view.

Alex:
It's very nice.

How did Mom find it?

Victoria:
Mom? I'm the real-estate agent.

Meimei:
You sell homes
to dead people?

Victoria:
Shut up.

Real estate
is real estate, okay?

You know, when these plots
came out on the market

I got Mom a really good price.

Plots?

You bought more than one?

It's tradition
for a son and his wife

to be buried
next to his mother and father.

Our father was cremated.

Oh, yeah, his ashes ended up
in a vacuum cleaner.

By mistake.
I was young.

W-Wait a second.

What did you say
about a son and his wife?

Mr. Wang:
Mrs. Xiao
bought three plots

one for her, one for you,
one for your wife.

It's tradition.

Buy two,
get one for free.

I've heard
of that tradition.

Would you stop?

My wife and I
will not be buried here.

You like this place so much,
bury yourself here.

Mr. Wang:
I knew your father.

A powerful man.

That power is yours.

You just don't realize it.

You have
a responsibility here.

Funerals are for respect.

You're grieving
over your mother now.

That must be why
you are not thinking clearly.

Right?

Alex.
No.

It's hard to believe

you've devoted your whole life
to this family

all those years.

Well, I was married young.

Not my doing.

And I was widowed young.

Not my doing.

But here I am.

What about
a family of your own?

Well, there are all kinds
of families, Dede.

I would have thought
you realized that.

Mm-hm.

Anyway, this is my family.

And I would do anything
for them.

Anything.

Well, I wish

I had a mother like you.

Meimei talks
about you so much.

Hey, did you see that?

What?

Dede:
Bedroom curtain upstairs.

Mrs. Xiao's room.

It just
it just moved.

No, it's the wind.

Well.

Do you believe in ghosts?

No.

Mm, maybe I don't.
I don't. Do you?

Definitely.

I need to smoke a joint.

Viola:
Ten minutes.

So does that mean
we can eat?

Yes, and I made
your favorite: pizza.

Hi.
Hi.

What's your name?

Bruce Lee.

Bruce Lee?

What can I say?
My parents are big fans.

Uh-huh.

Let's talk.

Come.

Man:
Hello?

Hello, Michael?

So, lesbians, huh?

Yes, we are.
Yes.

Heh-heh.
And you are a monk.

A Kalupa monk.

We can have sex.

Dede:
Hey, Bruce,

this is not about sex.

No sex?

No sex.

But how?

Oh.

Oh. Right.

Of course.

I'm gonna have to
think about this.

Meimei?

Yes. And you are?

Chow Lin.

Do you have any idea
what time it is?

People are still asleep.

In Beijing, they are awake.

Oh. I'm a friend
of your mother's.

You can get my bag.

Mm-mm.

Banana.

Potassium.

Good for digestion.
Uh-huh.

Your mother
sent me photo of yours.

And, uh, videos

of your awful movies.

I know you
all your life.

Viola:
Chow Lin.

Oh, I am so glad
that you have come.

Oh, I'm the person
who called you.

Viola.

Oh, Viola.

The Jewish lady who can make

the best dumplings
in the world.

Oh, is it?

Would you like
something to eat?

American food.

I want to eat like a pig.

Come then.
Like a pig.

Oh. Hm-hm.

Outdoing yourself.

Mm

No good bagels in Beijing.

No good pancakes, no bacon.

I dreams about a Burger King.

Burger King.

Meimei dreams about
Burger King too.

Ahh.

Oh, here you go.

Drink this.

Just drink and
Yeah.

Happy to meet you.
Uh, finally. An honor.

Now,

I go have a good poo.

Ooh!

Go, go.
Oh, I'll take you to your room.

Who is that?

He's one of China's
most celebrated pianists.

You're kidding.

No. Mother met him in Rome.

Oh, Rome.

Mom went to Rome?

Yeah, before you were born.

I went with her.
School vacation.

Oh, so you know this guy?

I was just a child.

Liz, you were never
just a child.

You know,
I like Chow Lin.

Anyone who has
an appetite like that

is passionate.

Viola:
I'll get it.

Today's day two,
so we need

No, I-I thought
it was day three.

Officially, it's day two.

But in truth, it's day three.

It's day two.

Look who's here.

It's Michael.

Elizabeth:
Hello, Michael.

Hi.

Elizabeth:
Thanks for coming.

Mother always liked you.

Hm.

I don't know why.

Me neither.

You know

of all the kids,

you're the only one
who calls her Mother.

What, is that a problem?

Liz

she's your mom.

Look, I didn't come here
for her.

I came for you.

For us.

Mother's gone.

Sammy's gone.

And he's not coming back.

There's no blame.

There's no blame.

Look at me.

There's only love.
Only love.

Hey, baby.

Aren't you done yet?

It's been a while.

Hello?

S-Sorry, I

Well, it's not something
I can just,

you know,
turn on like a faucet.

Isn't it?

No, I need inspiration
or, uh

or activity.

Well,

you just have to
imagine like this.

I told you.

We're not gonna have sex.

But you just have to

imagine.

Imagine.

I'm sorry.

I tried. I did. I just

It's okay. Thanks.

I thought about it
a lot last night.

And I figured,

I might as well be,
you know, useful.

I mean, we're not here
to celebrate death.

It's about
celebrating life.

And maybe one day, we can
all have dim sum together.

Meimei,

do you know what the direct
translation of dim sum is?

No.

It means touch the heart.

Oh.

So cute.

Hm.

Oh, by the way, Liz,
Mom liked the Benz SUV.

Really?

The G500 costs
more than a hundred grand.

Uh, we're not buying
the real car.

Oh, right. Sorry.

I always thought
this was an odd custom.

Buy all this stuff,
and then you just burn it.

Yeah, but I love the idea
of Mom taking all this stuff

with her
into the afterlife.

Okay. Get the G500.

Elizabeth:
She really liked her Jag.

Why don't we just get that?

What? An old car?

And have people think
we're being disrespectful?

Mm-hm. So, what do you think?

Should we get
the Jag convertible

or the Benz SUV?

Buy both.

Your mother, right?

She only die once.
Give her the best.

Give her everything.
Give her $1 million.

I pay
for shipping and handling.

Victoria:
Shipping and handling?

We order from Taipei.

Uh, we need all the stuff,
like soon.

Yeah? So you never
heard of FedEx?

We'll take the G500.

Victoria:
And the million dollars.

Oh, and we need a house.

Why don't we just take
a picture of Mom's house?

Oh, no, no,
uh, bad luck.

Uh, then no one would want
to buy her house.

Victoria: We're not selling it.
We're not?

Dad's will.
He wanted us to keep it.

Why? It's not even the house
we grew up in.

Now that house had class.

Who wants to live
in the McMansion?

I don't.

Dad bought that house
for Mom out of guilt.

Guilt?
Alex: Mm-hm.

Okay, so, what else?

Uh, maid, butler?

No, I refuse
to burn people.

Even if they are
made out of cardboard.

No maid, no butler.

Uh, fine, what else?

I got my, uh, phoenix
and dragon. They're on sale.

Aya!

You break,
you buy, huh?

Hey, guys, these would
hardly fit a child,

let alone a grown woman.

Elizabeth:
Well, they made them fit,
didn't they?

Breaking the bones,

binding the feet so tight
that they wouldn't grow.

Disgusting.
I'll stick to high heels.

Look, I have a letter.
Uh, never mailed.

Written in Mother's handwriting
to her mother.

She had a mother?

Oh, my God.

What?
Mother's name.

What? Linda?

Her Chinese name.

Oh, it wasn't Linda?

It's Ling Yuen.

Ling Yuen.

That sounds beautiful.

What does it mean?

Highest cloud in the sky.

It means strength.

Well, read the letter.

Okay.

Oh, my. Look at this.

I gave this to her.
Mother's Day.

I made it
in the third grade.

I can't believe
she kept it.

Ow, wow. Or this.

Oh, God. Twilly Bear.

Alex:
Hello. My name's Twilly Bear.

Twilly Bear?

Victoria:
Alex slept with it
till the 10th grade.

Shut up. Ha.
Victoria: Hey.

I didn't know this.
Meimei: What?

We didn't know any of this.

What is it?

During China's famine,
Mother was 16.

In love.

Her mother wanted her
to marry someone

in one of those
arranged marriages.

So she ran away
to Hong Kong.

Her boyfriend was supposed
to meet her

but.. he never made it.

Killed while crossing
the Pearl River.

Wow.

Meimei:
That's so sad.

What else?

In Hong Kong, she met

a gentleman
much older than her.

Wasn't sure she loved him

but he was kind.

Dad?

Elizabeth:
She grew to love him

and they
moved here to Seattle.

And lived happily ever after.

Not quite.

I remember
the arguments.

Right after you were born.

Dad had other women.

He did?

Alex:
I saw him

with a few of them.

A few?

Mm-hm.

He said
he still loved Mom though.

Well, of course he did.

Is that what you tell yourself

after you're done
with your mistresses?

Meimei.
Meimei: Oh, come on.

A big, successful doctor
like Alex gonna tell us

that he doesn't
have mistresses?

I'm not gonna
tell you anything.

Oh. Good for you.

Why break the family tradition
of secrets and lies?

Guys, can we cut this out?

I mean, we have
to write a eulogy

about a woman
we clearly didn't know.

What are we gonna say?

Here you go.

Oh.

Ha-ha. I win.

I let you win.
Oh?

'Cause you're old.

He's a good boy.

Where's his father?

Ask Mrs. Xiao.

Huh?

She made me break up

with the only man
I've ever loved.

Why?

He wasn't Chinese, was he?

Oh.

We were gonna get married,

but when Mom made up her mind
about something

Yes, I know.

What are you doing here?

Really?

Viola says your mother
wanted me to be here.

SoI'm here.

You loved her, didn't you?

Hey.

Can't believe
you still jog.

I can't believe
you stopped.

We're choosing
a tombstone today.

You want me
to be there for that?

No.

You really don't have to.

Look, you asked me to come.

I came.

But don't push me away again.

Liz,

it's okay to miss Sam.

I miss him every day.

But, Liz,

we have to move on
with our lives.

Please,
let me back in for good.

Please, Liz.

Man:
Okay, so if it were my mother,

nothing would be too big

or too expensive.

Look at this
lovely marble altar.

You could erect a statue
to your mother on that.

Stunning. Heh.

I have a friend,
he's a sculptor.

I could get you a deal.

If it were my mother,

I would have a portrait done.

Not as she was when she
you know.

But how she is in my dreams.

You could mount it
on that marble flat there.

Beautiful.

I have a friend.
He's a painter.

I could get you a deal.

I like this one.

Oh, if it were my mother

She's not your mother!

She's my mother.
She's our mother.

Got that?

Mm. Mm.

Alex,
are you all right?

I'm fine.

I like the simple
white marble tombstone.

It's tasteful.

Agreed?

Mm.

Alex:
Can you get me a deal on that?

Oh, of course, yes.

Great.

Meimei, show him
to the door, please.

Meimei:
Alex, what are you doing?

Alex.

I'm sorry.

I used to hate Dad
for cheating on Mom,

for hurting her.

I used to tell myself
I'd never become like him.

Here I am,
I'm just like him.

While Mom's looking down,

she knows I'm a liar,

a cheat,

and my wife hates me.

Well, there are reasons
why we do

I can't rationalize.

Where do I go from here?

Well

do you love Cindy?

Really love her?

I used to.

Could you love her again?

I want to.

Why?

Why do you want to?

Look, we have to be
at Mrs. Sun's

in 20 minutes, okay?
We really need to go.

I want to sing it
at the funeral.

It was your mother's
favorite.

It's very nice.

I had no idea
that Mother liked that song.

Victoria:
Mrs. Sun, you were Mom's

favorite dressmaker

Her only dressmaker,

wasn't I?

Uh, of course.

And so we need you
to make her last dress.

Back in China,

the daughters
make the last dress.

Well,
this isn't China.

Um, what my sister really means
to say is that

You're the actress.

I think you mean lesbian.

She's the one who slept
with a black man.

Elizabeth is the one
whose son passed away,

and Alex here
has a mistress.

We know
what our mom thought of us,

so can we just be done
with the gossip?

We're giving her
exactly what she wanted:

A traditional
Chinese funeral

in a traditional
Chinese dress.

So are you in
or are you out?

I like you.

Your mother
was proud of you.

All of you.

She wouldn't shut up.

My son, the doctor.
My daughter, the journalist.

My daughter in real estate,

and the movie star.

Yak, yak, yak.
Ha-ha-ha.

I will make the dress

and it will be beautiful,

just like your mother.

I am so confused.

I thought I knew what to say
in this eulogy, but now?

How could she have been
so proud of us to everyone else?

While with us,
she was so So

Bitchy?

Selfish, cruel,

rude, manipulative?

Uh, dictatorial?

Saving face.

Dede:
Do you believe in destiny?

Yes.

You?

Yes.

I believe each of us
is connected.

Without
even realizing it.

Just like
the ingredients

in a wonderful meal.

I believe you're stoned.

I believe

I am in love.

Michael:
Liz, dinner's ready.

I'll be right down.

Okay.

Michael.

I don't blame you.

And I'm sorry
I can't always express myself.

It's just gonna take
a little more time, okay?

Okay.

I'm not going anywhere.

Meimei.

Hey.

I just want you
to know that, well,

I could always try again.

You know, if you want me to.

Yes.

Okay.
That'd be nice.

Thank you.

Well, great.

See you tomorrow?

See you tomorrow.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night, Bruce.

Good night.

Ooh!

Is it hot?

No, it's great.

Oh. Ha!

Oh, my God. Good.

Have we just
corrupted a monk?

Viola:
Your mother made me
the executrix of her estate.

Alex:
Why you?
You're not even family.

Alex, Viola is family.

Yeah, but I'm the son.

Ugh.
Isn't that sexist?

Alex:
Okay, fine. Forget it.

I'm sorry, Viola.
Please continue.

Okay, I just thought
this would be a good time

to go over the contents
of her will,

seeing that you all seem

to be in
a pretty good place.

Yeah, sure,
so what do we get?

Nothing.

Nothing?
Nothing.

Nothing?
Nothing?

Well, the house is yours.
It's all of yours.

That comes
from your father's will.

Yeah, but what about
her life insurance?

The other investments.
The gold, the jewelry?

Well, she felt thanks
to your father's inheritance

you were all
in pretty good shape.

I don't
I don't believe this.

So she gave everything

to the Pacific Coast
Community Center.

The what?

The Pacific Coast
Community Center.

Your mother
believed in charity.
She did?

Don't you tell me
what my mother believed in.
Don't you dare.

Well, I think
it's a pretty good idea.

Alex:
You know what?

Mom's will doesn't
really surprise me.

I mean, when it came to us,
she was so cheap.

And she was cheap
with you too, Viola.

I don't know why you stuck
with her all these years.

Because I loved her.

Because I loved all of you.

I still do.

I have to go to the airport

to pick up Cindy and Emily.

You want me
to go with you?

Alex:
No, it's all right.

You took
that picture.

Remember?

Near the Vatican.

I hope you didn't come

to shame
the memory of my mother.

No. Never.

I never told anyone,
after all this time.

I think that's why
she criticized me the least.

Because
she was afraid of me.

No. Grateful.

You keep the secret.

Cindy.

I'm sorry.

I wanna start over.

We're here.

Cindy.

Emily.

Welcome.

Hello, Victoria.

It's nice to see that
some things remain constant.

Bitch.

What did she just say?

She said, Bitch.

Oh.

Uh

I'm pregnant.

Liz.

Here, Mom.

You take care of Sammy for us.

Go ahead.

Mom,

meet Dede.

I think you'd really like her.

Bruce:
Dede.

Here you go.

Wow.

That's a lot.

Well, it's been a while.

Heh. Thank you.

I've had an epiphany.

I'm not a monk.

But you are a monk.

Inside I'm not.

Not anymore.

That's my epiphany.

Shoot.

Am I going to hell for this?

No.

Dede, I wanna thank you.

And Meimei. Really.

I became a monk
for all the wrong reasons

to please my parents,

to please
everyone else but me.

And that's not
a good way to live.

The honesty
that you and Meimei have,

and the way you just

live your lives openly
without apology, I

I find it inspirational.

I wanna get married.

I wanna have
lots of children.

And I hope that one of them
will be yours and Meimei's.

I'm not gonna be
coming back tomorrow.

So please tell Meimei

that I said goodbye.

You can tell her yourself.

No.

It's better this way.

I'm pregnant.

When you came to Hong Kong
a month or so ago

that one night.

Aren't you
gonna say something?

Thank you, God.

Dede:
Hey, Meimei.

I've been looking
all over for you.

Look.

The monk has delivered.

Stop.
Are you okay?

I found this on my pillow.

From whom?

My mother!

What did she say?

Meimei,
are you okay?

No.

No, I'm not okay.

Meimei, what is it?

Chow Lin:
Meimei.

What is going on?

This letter, which says,

time to tell the truth.

The truth?

I am Meimei's

father.

Dede:
Holy cow.

Meimei.

Meimei,

your mother and I

loved each other.

We keep it a secret

for you.

Shut up!

Shut up!

Don't you talk to me!

Don't you dare!

My whole life has been a lie.

Meimei!

Meimei!

Why didn't you tell me?

Why didn't you say something?

Why?!

Why?!

Meimei, it's okay.

It's all right.

Meimei:
Why did you never tell me?

Elizabeth:
Mother made me promise not to.

Everyone else knew?

Even Dad?

Dad suspected.

Everyone suspected.

No one knew for sure.

Things aren't
so black and white.

No.

They certainly aren't.

Saving face.
Mm.

Saving face.

I hate that expression.

Yeah.

Me too.

So Chinese.

We are Chinese.

Yes. We are.

Good morning.

Good morning.

I'm gonna make myself
a pot of coffee.

Would you like a cup?

I don't drink coffee,
thank you.

Okay.

So, um

today is day five, right?

Where all the guests
come to pay their respects?

Yes.

I'm sure you have
everything organized.

Well, I think organization
is about respect.

Well, um,

I'm really good at
at preparing food.

Maybe I can help.

Oh, it's already done.

Victoria knows
a nice seafood restaurant.

They have a buffet.

Oh, my God.
A buffet?

That's so tacky,

but again,
it is Victoria.

You know,

you're not
Miss Taiwan anymore.

I'm sorry, excuse me?

You heard what I said.

I said you're not
Miss Taiwan anymore.

I think you have forgotten
your place.

My place
is with this family.

Where is yours?

Cindy, your mother-in-law
wanted one thing:

that this family
would come together

finally and for real
and I

I'd like to believe
that that can happen.

Wouldn't you?

You know,
it's difficult to forgive.

I know.

I think forgiveness
is just about

the hardest thing
in the world to do.

And I hope
you find a way to do it

or you're gonna be
one unhappy person.

So?

So?

Starting over?

Clean slate.

Meimei

meeting you
completes my life.

And completely changes mine.

I'm not gonna make any more
cheap chop-chop movies.

Oh?

What are you going to do?

Mm, I have no idea.

So does that
frighten you?

No.

I don't know
what to call you.

My name is Chow Lin.

Only one chanting monk?

So cheap.

May I have your autograph?

Do you like kung fu movies?
Yes.

Every Friday,
your mother came to me

to buy fresh flowers.

One of my best customers.

Cheap but loyal.

These flowers

not from my place.

Oh, I'm sorry.

My sister Victoria got them
from down the street.

Obviously.

Viola:
Would you like
something to eat?

Please.

Come. Sit down.

Your mama paid my husband's
medical bills

for two years.

Well, how did you know her?

Your mama volunteered

at the Pacific Coast
Community Center.

Oh. You didn't know that?

Well, our mom was
full of surprises.

You know, over 100 people
have come by since this morning.

Mm-hm.

See,
Grandma wasn't that bad.

No. I guess not.

Hey, what are they
gonna say about us

when we're dead and gone?

They'll say we tried.

We tried.

So I heard people
talking shit.

Talking shit?

You know, about you,
Grandma and Meimei.

Kids hear everything.

'Cause we're shorter,
we're under the radar screen.

Oh, of course.

So we're related,
you and me?

In a way.
Is that a problem?

No, no, it's cool.

Want to learn something cool?

What is it?

I teach you Tai Chi.

Wow, like in the movies?

Mrs. Sun: Alexander.
Thank you, Mrs. Sun.

Victoria.
Thank you.

Meimei.

Elizabeth.

Tradition.

It's important.

Yes, it is.

Thank you.

Goodbye.

Thank you, ladies.
Take care.

Goodbye.

Alex:
Whoa.

Cindy:
Speaking of tradition,

I seem to recall
a long-standing challenge

between Alex and I,

and Victoria and Elizabeth.

Shall we?

Oh, no, no, no.

Elizabeth shouldn't play.

Why not?

Ask her.

Why not?

A-Are you?

Oh, God.
Oh, my God.

God had something
to do with it.

And Michael made
a slight contribution.

Oh

I've sent the last monk home.

It is now time
for serenity and prayer.

According to the old ways,

at the end
of the period of mourning,

the soul of the departed
comes back

one more time.

I would like you
to kneel at the shrine,

and close your eyes

and see her in your soul.

Now, can you see her?

Mrs. Xiao:
I'm here with you, my children.

Even when she's dead
she freaks me out.

But am I dead?

Alexander.

You look so serious.

Well, I need to sit.

Please have a seat.

Mrs. Xiao:
Okay.

You are all angry.

But look, I am dying.

Liver cancer.

The doctors gave me
six months.

Do you think I wanted
to die like Mrs. Chiu?

Never a kind word
from her children

until she was gone.

Do you think I wanted to die
like your father?

Full of regret.

No.

I wanted to bring
my family together.

I know

I haven't been
the best of mothers,

but I hope I can manage
to fix it.

I want to tell you how I feel,

and I want to hear
how you really feel.

What you've done here

is an example
of just how manipulative,

selfish, arrogant,
and controlling you are.

It's a beginning.

I'm not finished.

And I don't believe
for one moment

that you wanna hear
how we feel.

Alex, we were just trying
Alex: Don't.

You cannot rationalize this.

But dying is never rational.

Nor is your monstrous ego.

But I did this for you, Alex.

Mother,

you're so full of yourself

that you
actually believe that.

Anyone else? Hm?

Congratulations.

Very dramatic.
Very Chinese.

See? She understands.

No, I don't.

You've put us through
a great deal of pain.

You too, Viola.

Are you angry?

I am exceedingly pissed off.

Well, these are certainly
not the reactions

I was expecting.

Victoria:
What did you expect?

That we'd all fall
at your feet

and be grateful
you're still alive?

Well, yes.

Don't hold your breath.

Perhaps I should have
just remained dead.

Victoria:
That would have been
a wise decision.

Do you know how much
I love your daughter?

Yes, I think I do,
and it warms my heart.

Welcome
to our crazy family.

Thank you.

But I want to know
how you did it.

Yeah.

Well, it's a big house.

There's a hidden room
off my bedroom

with its own bathroom.

And Viola kept me informed

of all the comings and goings,
and of course,

I did overhear
a thing or two myself.

Brilliant.
Yes.

Loose ends, you know?

And here's
my favorite loose end.

I

I should be
angry with you.

Maybe a little bit.

What do we do
about Alexander?

I will talk to him.

Dede:
Oh, excuse me.

I hope you're
not upset with me.

It's a call from the set.
I have to answer it.

Hello?

Man:
Hi, is this Dede Chan?

Yes, it is.

Who's calling?

I'm your brother's
assistant director.

Your brother
has just had a heart attack

on the set
here in Los Angeles.

They've taken him
to Peterson Memorial Hospital.

He's stable,

and they're keeping him
under observation for now.

Mrs. Xiao:
Alexander.

Leave me alone, Mom.

Alexander.

You are not your father.

You have made mistakes,
and I have too.

But my children
are not mistakes.

They are the best thing
that ever happened to me.

You have been angry
for a long time.

The past few days,

I've felt the anger lift.

Wouldn't it be nice
if you could

always live like that?

Huh?

Our handsome boy.

I did this

hoping for happiness
for all of us.

If it is selfish for a mother

who wants to love her children

one last time,

then I am that selfish woman.

I love you too, Mom.

Are you sure you don't want me
to come with you?

I'm packed. I'm ready.

No, Meimei, it's okay.

Dede, I mean it.

Meimei, you stay here.

How many times
do I have to tell you this?

Baby, your brother
had a heart attack.

That's serious.

Let me be there for you.

I understand,

but your family needs you.

You stay here.

I love you, Dede Chan.

I love you too.

Come on, go.

You go on, baby.

Michael:
Guys,

I-I don't wanna make excuses

for what your mother
and Viola did.

I mean, look at us.

We're here,
we're talking.

And, you know,
I think I do recall, hm,

hearing some laughter?

I mean,
isn't it better that

That all this happen
before we die?

Before she dies?

I think that Dede did the right
thing going there, don't you?

Meimei:
Yeah

I mean, you'd do the same thing
for your brother.

I know you would.

And he would do
the same for you.

No question.

Does he always eat like this?

Always.

Victoria:
Mom?

I don't want you to die.

Neither do I.

Thank you,
Victoria.

Victoria:
And, Meimei,

I'm sorry
about Dede's brother.

Thank you.

Oh, I almost forgot.

We're gonna have
to cancel the banquet tomorrow.

Elizabeth:
No, we should still do it.

As a celebration of life.

Your life.

Michael,
I've always liked you.

I don't know why.
Oh.

Probably just to make
Alex jealous.

Cindy:
Mm.

You know, Mom,

I don't think any of us
ever really knew you,

until this week.

Yeah, you are smarter
than you look.

Thank you.

As for you

bravo.

I want to say something
to Mrs. Xiao.

That dress

is worth a lot more
than what I charged your kids.

And I think what you did
this week for your children

was great.

Now do you think my kids
would fall for it?

Oh, no.

Your children are too smart.

Thank you, everyone,
for coming.

For those who came to the house
and gave money,

Victoria will make sure
that you get it all back.

But I will keep the dress.

This is such
a beautiful sendoff.

You have made this old lady
very, very happy.

Facing death
changes everything.

So Dragon Lady no more.

Life is so fragile.

We must cherish each day,

and all those who have a place
in our hearts.

Next week,
I will leave for China

with Mr. Chow Lin.

I will die where I was born.

But before I do,

I hope to take care
of some unfinished business.

If there's any advice
I can give, it is

don't leave things
till it's too late.

Well

let's dance.

Woman:
La da, da da da,
la da, da da da

La da, da da da,
la la la

I believe,
I believe in love

Say you believe it too

And I know if you never,
if you never been

It's better than you ever can
imagine it

I believe,
I believe in love

Mr. Wang,
can I ask you something?

Of course.

You're licensed
by the state so

how could you
do this with my mom?

Victoria, we're Chinese.

Woman:
that I love you, baby

And I believe

I believe in love

You know that I believe

Tell me
that you love me, baby

Before I go insane