Written by Meghan Smith, Image courtesy of Amanda Lipitz Productions
The theme of family takes on a new meaning in “Found,” an American Chinese documentary. After being abandoned as infants in the early 2000s, Lily, Sadie and Chloe live normal American lives after they were adopted. Through a 23andMe DNA test, they discover that they’re cousins. In most people’s eyes, these three girls were given the American dream, but the haunting question of who they came from looms over them.
The three cousins set out on an expedition to uncover their past with the help of a sympathetic investigator, Liu Hao. It is emotional, tender and heartbreaking.
The outlook throughout the documentary is through the eyes of these children which gives it an innocent feel. We see them giggle through the streets of China and wipe each other’s tears. There is a sense of yearning throughout on both sides of the investigation. These parents want to find their lost children just as much as the children want to find them. Some of these parents gave up multiple children, and they are still grieving their loss.
It is quite amazing to watch how the adoptive parents react to this expedition. They are all white, which offers a taste of what their daughters encounter every day as they trudge through the busy streets of China.
Despite this, they have nothing but love and understanding for their child. It was almost shocking when the parents offered up different ways for these girls to find their origins or to learn their culture. There were no secrets about their adoption. They just want these girls to find a sense of belonging. The mothers hold their daughter’s hands as they begin meeting people that played a role in these girls’ lives. They cry with, and for, their daughters and there is never a sense of jealousy.
It is a great testament to a mother’s love without conditions.
