

Chu-Chieh Lee’s ‘Minus Plus Multiply’ Is A Graphic Feast That Explores The Complexities Of Identity
Minus Plus Multiply (2024) is a graphic feast that explores the complexities of identity.
A woman struggles to find her own path as she navigates a strange environment filled with towering containers. Animated films about solitary figures wandering surreal landscapes in search of freedom are common — even clichéd — but Chu-Chieh Lee’s Minus Plus Multiply stands out. It succeeds thanks to a conceptually rich and emotionally layered approach that invites audiences to discover their own interpretations.
Visually, the film is stunning. It seamlessly blends pottery, 3d printing, hand-drawn animation, and laser cutting to mirror the intricacies of the protagonist’s journey toward a sense of well-being. The fact that this is a student film, created at the Royal College of Art, makes it all the more remarkable. It demonstrates a level of maturity and creative control rarely seen in student work.
Lee describes the film’s deeply personal roots:
The project stems from my own experiences as an immigrant — navigating unfamiliar environments, grappling with disconnection, and yearning for a sense of place. Whether it’s losing a relationship across distance or struggling to find belonging in a new culture, I hope the story resonates with those who’ve faced similar journeys, offering a moment of recognition or comfort.
Lee is a Taiwanese animation director and illustrator based in London. She completed her master’s in narrative animation at the Royal College of Art. Since moving to the U.K. from Taiwan in 2018, she has worked as an independent animator and illustrator for clients including Google, Linkedin, and the BBC.