Where can you watch Chang Can Dunk? If you're looking for a movie that explores self-discovery, familial trauma, and coming of age — that follows a triumphant story of sports achievement, keep on reading to find out.
The world could always use another feel-good sports movie full of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Disney has delivered these time and time again, from The Mighty Ducks to Glory Road to Full Court Miracle. The studio is back at it again, this time with a heartwarming basketball-centric tale called Chang Can Dunk.
Chang Can Dunk is the story of a 16-year-old Asian American student who is part of his school’s marching band. In a moment of confidence, he bets the star basketball player that he’ll be able to dunk by the time Homecoming rolls around. He is determined, despite his 5’8” stature that is slightly uncommon when it comes to shooting hoops, to win the bet and, of course, win over the heart of the girl of his high school dreams. In the process, Chang learns valuable lessons about who he is and what he values.
Watch Chang Can Dunk on Disney+
Key Players
Chang Can Dunk was written and directed by Jingyi Shao, who was determined to create a movie that was about more than just basketball. Instead, it is designed to be a movie that explores the Asian American experience, one that is often left untold by mainstream entertainment. He explains that the film made him reflect upon his own experiences. He spoke candidly about this, saying “Writing this film made me really reflect on my high school experiences. It actually brought up my relationship with my mother, which has evolved a lot over time.”
Shao is clear that his intention for the movie is to heal future generations. He says that “there’s a wound there that we’re really trying to heal through telling these stories. I would say this film is about family very much, especially if you have disconnection and differences and how you can heal that and how it is possible to heal that.”
This is not the first project Shao has made his mark on. He has worked on a TV series called Twenties, a show about navigating life in your twenties, as a writer. He also has directed a number of shorts, including A Conversation, Toenail, Training Wheels, Lee’s Market, and Listen.
Bloom Li leads the cast, portraying the titular character Chang. He has previously worked on projects like My Dead Ex, Into the Dark, and S.W.A.T. Li has shared that he feels quite connected to Chang, saying, “I understand this character. I understand these feelings. I understand these frustrations. There’s so many scenes in the movie that parallels the moments I’ve had in my life. I remember what it’s like in high school when everything hurts more.”
The strong connection Shao and Li have to this piece is raw and evident. It comes through in the storylines and characters and makes a strong, lasting impact on audiences.
Where to Watch Chang Can Dunk
If you’re looking for a slam dunk of a film to enjoy, Chang Can Dank is sure to deliver. The passion of those involved in the film is palpable in every scene, making the film go by quickly. If you want to check it out for yourself, you can find Chang Can Dunk exclusively on Disney+.