Meditation Park (2017)

In the twilight years of their lives, Maria and Bing Wang, a couple who traded the vibrant streets of Hong Kong for the working-class neighborhood of Vancouver four decades ago, find themselves on the cusp of an unforeseen journey. Bing, with his humble beginnings in menial jobs despite a well-educated past, has become the family’s sole provider, evolving into a respected figure in Chinatown's small accounting firm culture. Maria, on the other hand, devoted her life to the hearth and home, her existence revolving around her family. With their daughter Ava building her own nest and their son Charlie, estranged for a decade and forbidden by Bing to maintain any contact with Maria, the latter feels her purpose dwindling to merely catering to Bing's needs. Maria's dependence on Bing is profound; her discomfort with English, lack of mobility skills, and even financial independence all tether her to Bing. A sudden revelation and an impending event catalyze Maria's yearning for autonomy, which she believes lies in possessing her own money. Embarking on a quest for employment, Maria confronts the harsh realities of her age and the long hiatus from work since her Hong Kong days. As desperation pushes her towards unconventional and possibly perilous means to earn, following the obscure paths of her little-known neighbors, Maria might unearth the true essence of freedom. Beyond the tangible realm of money, she may find that independence is a state of mind, an empowering realization that could redefine her existence.

Meditation Park is a drama movie featuring Sandra Oh and directed by Mina Shum.

Meditation Park is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on The Roku Channel.