Madeline Mayes is a Junior from Smith College studying Spanish, Film & Media Studies, and Translation Studies.
Chinas (2023) is a movie unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. It takes on the themes of race, immigration, age, and gender with a clarity that feels both approachable yet deeply relevant to someone of my age. What captivated me most was how the film portrays the vulnerable experiences of young girls whose realities stand in stark contrast to my own, inviting reflection on difference, identity, and connection.
What sets Chinas apart is the way it tells the story of immigration through the eyes of children. So often, films about migration focus on adults and the heavy realities they face. This film shifts the perspective to young girls, whose innocence, playfulness, and big dreams make the film feel tender and engaging. This lens doesn’t make the story any less serious–in fact, it makes it even more accessible. By weaving in moments of play, friendship, and the universal desire to dream beyond the world you’re born into, the film gives everyone–regardless of background–a way to see themselves in these characters. As they navigate their differences and share small moments of connection, it’s impossible to not root for Lucía and Xiang to be friends. Through their eyes, the story becomes ours too.
Watching Chinas made me think not only about the characters on screen, but also how stories like these reshape the way I understand identity, belonging, and girlhood. I found myself asking how the characters on the screen appear in my life. Who are the Lucías and Xiangs that I know, and how can I listen to their stories more closely? What struck me was how their strugglers–navigating cultural expectations, carving out space for themselves in a society not built for them, and balancing the innocence of childhood with the weight of larger societal issues–mirror challenges I’ve seen among my peers in smaller, subtler ways. Even though my life looks very different from theirs, the feelings of wanting to be understood, of carrying the invisible weight of identity, and searching for a sense of belonging are universal. Chinas reminded me that paying attention to these stores, both on screen and off, is part of how we learn to see one another more fully.
Chinas is a must-watch for students interested in Latin American and Spanish-language film because it makes the everyday details of a girl’s life shine; It offers a fresh, accessible perspective that stays with you long after the credits roll.