The Cinematheque

“One of the great films of the ​’80s. The film saw the future of urban life with absolute clarity.”

Tony Rayns, Film Comment

Edward Yang’s second feature is an elegant, Antonionian tale of urban angst and alienation set in booming, benumbing Taipei. Pop star Tsai Chin (Yang’s first wife) and director Hou Hsiao-hsien (Taiwan’s other world-class filmmaker of the era) play an upwardly mobile, profoundly dissatisfied couple. She’s a successful property developer; he’s a former baseball prospect now toiling for the family textile business, restless and clinging to past glories. Their prosperous façade of Western tastes and material comforts provides but flimsy protection when a series of personal and professional setbacks ensue and their relationship begins to crumble. Yang, extracting fine performances from the principals, serves up a shrewd and chilling portrait of contemporary Taiwan adrift between traditional values and modern soullessness. Co-star Hou, who reportedly mortgaged his house to finance the film(!), also collaborated on the script.

In Mandarin and Hokkien with English subtitles

“A quietly stunning drama … Yang’s insights and honesty about emotions ensure interest throughout; and it looks absolutely superb.”

Tom Charity, Time Out

“A terrifically accomplished and affecting film that is one of many possible entry points into the work of a great filmmaker.”

Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, The A.V. Club