"Found": A Woke Agenda Wrapped in a Family Drama

In 2021, Netflix released "Found," a documentary that follows three American teenage girls who were adopted from China and embark on a journey to discover their roots. Directed by Amanda Lipitz, the film takes viewers on a global trek from the United States to China, where the girls hope to uncover the truth about their biological families. While the premise might seem heartwarming, the film is a thinly veiled attempt to push a woke agenda under the guise of a family drama.

First off, let's talk about the timing. Released in the midst of a global pandemic, when people were already grappling with issues of identity and belonging, "Found" conveniently taps into the zeitgeist of self-discovery and cultural exploration. But instead of focusing on the personal growth of these young women, the film takes every opportunity to highlight the supposed failings of Western society. It's as if the filmmakers are saying, "Look how much better things could be if we all just embraced our 'true' identities."

The film's narrative is heavily skewed to paint a picture of Western guilt. The adoptive parents, who have given these girls a life of opportunity and love, are subtly portrayed as part of a system that 'stole' these children from their homeland. The documentary doesn't miss a beat in suggesting that these girls are somehow incomplete or lacking because they were raised in America. It's a slap in the face to adoptive families everywhere, who are made to feel like they are part of some grand cultural appropriation scheme.

Moreover, the film's portrayal of China is almost laughably idealistic. The girls' journey to China is depicted as a return to a utopian homeland, glossing over the very real issues that led to their adoption in the first place. The one-child policy, economic hardships, and social pressures that forced many families to give up their children are barely mentioned. Instead, the film focuses on the emotional reunions and the 'healing' power of reconnecting with one's roots. It's a romanticized view that ignores the complexities of international adoption and the harsh realities faced by many in China.

The film also takes a swipe at the concept of identity itself. In today's world, where identity politics reign supreme, "Found" jumps on the bandwagon by suggesting that one's cultural heritage is the most important aspect of their identity. The girls' American upbringing, their experiences, and their adoptive families are all secondary to their Chinese roots. It's a dangerous message that undermines the idea that identity is multifaceted and personal, not something dictated by race or nationality.

And let's not forget the film's blatant emotional manipulation. The documentary is filled with tear-jerking moments designed to tug at the heartstrings, but it's all too calculated. The filmmakers know exactly what they're doing, using the girls' stories to push a narrative that fits their agenda. It's a classic case of style over substance, where the emotional impact is prioritized over a balanced and nuanced exploration of the issues at hand.

In the end, "Found" is less about the girls' journey and more about pushing a narrative that fits the current cultural climate. It's a film that panders to those who want to see the world in black and white, ignoring the shades of gray that make life interesting and complex. So, if you're looking for a documentary that challenges your thinking and offers a fresh perspective, you might want to look elsewhere. "Found" is just another example of Hollywood's obsession with identity politics, wrapped up in a glossy package.