Lucky Lu

"Lucky Lu is a film by Lloyd Lee Choi that tackles current issues such as immigration, precarious jobs, and the gig economy. The story follows Lu (Chang Chen), an ordinary, human, and imperfect man, simply trying to provide for his family and establish himself in a country that largely ignores him. His life is turned upside down when his livelihood — the electric bike he uses for deliveries — is stolen, just as he is about to create a new home for his wife and daughter, who have just arrived in the city. A clear reference to Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves, but set in the present day, with social issues even more amplified. Unlike most films about New York, with skyscrapers, stylish people, and yellow taxis, Lucky Lu portrays the invisible city of precarious work, gray and without glamour, a backdrop that intensifies the drama of Lu’s 48-hour quest to recover what he has lost. Lu’s relationship with his daughter is central: as in the Italian classic, the child’s presence tests the character’s moral compass, revealing his character through each challenge while also giving him strength and motivation to move forward. The bond between father and daughter transforms the tension of the narrative into something deeply moving, making Lu’s struggle a spark to try once again to survive and build a life in a country that pretends not to see him."