The film l Am What l Am(《雄狮少年》) has been praised by many fans of cartoons and lion dance. Unlike most Chinese cartoons today, which are from fairy tales, this film is about the lion dance, a kind of traditional dance in China and other Asian countries. During the performance, the dancers mimic(模仿) a lion's movements. Usually two performers act as a lion, one waving the lion head and the other waving the lion body and tail. The lion dance is usually performed during the Chinese New Year and other important festivals to symbolize excitement and energy.
The story happens in Guangdong province and the film is about the growth of three teenagers in a poor village. The three teenagers A'juan, A'mao and A'gou are all left-behind children. They are all common people who have to overcome many difficulties to achieve their dreams. In order to take part in a lion dance competition in Guangzhou, they make great efforts and experience many difficulties. Though in great trouble, the characters never give up their dreams. They practice lion dance day after day and in the end they manage to take part in the competition. Finally, they become the best lion dance performers.
The film is a mirror of daily life of common people. Our life isn't always going well and we may have to deal with many troubles. And what we really need to pay attention to is not the result but the process of fighting against the troubles.