Co-director Paul Kwan (Anatomy of A Springroll) once again takes us on a journey back to his roots, this time in a search to regain his health. Food, which was the love of his life and nourished both his palate and his cultural roots, became the source of major discomfort. Allergies to shellfish and other rich, spicy foods provoked uncomfortable reactions.

When traditional Western doctors could not help, he visits Asian doctors in San Francisco's Chinatown, and then goes on to Saigon, Taiwan and Hong Kong. As East meets West he meets physicians who practice traditional acupuncture and herbal therapies-- some palatable, some unpalatable. One practitioner of Chinese medicine uses a computer and modern technology to update his diagnosis.

Kwan's odyssey turns into a life theatening ordeal when midway through the filming he suffers a debilitating stroke, unusual in a young man. His hospitalization and the process of recovery lend special drama to Kwan's preoccupation with food, medicine, culture and health.

Ranging from playful to serious, Pins and Noodles uses a spectrum of storytelling styles, including documentary verite, animation, puppetry, historical photographs, and ancient medical charts. Once again the artistic collaboration of producers Kwan and Iger has generated a unique fusion of East and West.

This film is part two of the Springroll Trilogy, along with Anatomy of a Springroll and Wok in Progress.

"Progresses seamlessly to show how Kwan marshalls biomedicine, physical therapy, food, herbal medicine, acupuncture and family support to face his new challenge."
Asian Educational Media Service