Just finished your entire review of A Brighter Summer Day. I'm glad that there's a movie reviewer like you who not only does videos on old movies, but also shows as much appreciation towards them as I have, or even greater. Edward Yang's decision of showing parallels between characters can be confusing, but ultimately rewarding for the viewer. And it's evident just how much attention and effort you put into your review. I can't wait for more people to finally watch this epic, and ultimately, follow this review series.
Hello and thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, this film means so much to me. I admit too that I am not at all on the level intellectually where I would be able to talk about this film in any satisfactory way. So, while I did my best with these discussions, they are very incomplete and also I feel like I keep learning from this film every time. And every time I realize just how little I know about this work. This means that I always want to learn more about it. I think for me in particular it is the language and the intricacies of the language which I do not understand (because I do not speak the language). Still, this film means so much to me and I am so very very very honored by your lovely and kind message my friend. It truly means a lot to me. Thank you so much. Cheers.
Hello Daisuke! I finally was able to carve out a day to watch and truly sink into this astounding film. I have been exploring many of the works of Edward Yang and indeed the Taiwan New Wave throughout 2021 and knew that A Brighter Summer Day deserved my full and undivided attention. What an extraordinary experience and thank you so much for this wonderful series that I have also had bookmarked for a long time, ready for when I could deep dive fully into this utter masterpiece. All the best and thank you once again from Scotland my friend!
Hello again and thank you so much for watching this film. Yes it is so extraordinary and thank you so much for sharing with us your reaction to this work. And I am so moved that you would return to this video as well. I hope you are well and warmest warmest regards my friend.
Fantastic videos! Just watched this film yesterday, and loved it. It's so densely packed, though, so it's been a great help to listen to someone who is obviously passionate about the film. So much to digest, I'm really looking forward to listening to Tony Rayns' commentary and diving into more east-asian cinema. Thanks for the series!
I watched it 3 times every time its getting better and better. After the first time I liked it. After the second time I loved it. After the third time its my favorite movie of all time together with Blade Runner 2049 and its the movie I think about the most, if i find time I will watch the Commentary. A Brighter Summer Day is as perfect as a movie can be even a bit better. I can not thank you enough for recommending me a movie i will never forget and for bringing joy in my life in these hard times. Greetings from Germany, Kim
Hello Kim my dear friend, and wow, thank you so much for this great comment. And I also notice that your avatar is also related to this film!!! That is so awesome my dear friend.
Thank you so much for these videos, Daisuke. An excellent journey through this film. I finally watched it for the first time yesterday and my head is still swirling. I loved the first two hours but had no idea what was the point of the third hour, particularly with the father’s interrogation, and it really took me out of it. But after reading some analysis (and watching your video) it snapped into place for me. I will definitely need to rewatch (I was comforted when in the first vid you said that there’s STILL some things that confuse you haha), but there’s no doubt that this is a masterpiece that deserves its praise. I truly don’t understand how some people can create such art but thank the gods for them. Again, love the vids - your passion and knowledge of film shines through.
Hello and wow, thank you so much for sharing with us your reaction to this great film. Yes, this is a film that is so rewarding upon rewatch. I agree. Warmest regards and I hope you enjoy your journey and engagement with this great film.
@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you, Daisuke. I've been watching a few of your vids since posting this comment. You're rapidly becoming one of my favorite TH-camrs. Excellent stuff.
Hello and thank you so much for your comment. It makes me so very happy whenever I receive a comment like yours, because it means that I get to hear from another person who loves this great work of cinema! Thank you so much for making my day, and I hope you have a great rest of your week and weekend.
Daisuke, this is my favorite film of all the films that I have seen till now. And your deep dive into it is the best next to (I mean just as good) a review written on Letterboxd about this movie that I have read. There is a saying that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, and I felt both the father and S’ir are tragically carrying the same burden of committing to principles they believe in without any room for negotiations or surrender. They cannot imagine not standing up to things they believe are wrong. The father with his young days long behind is forced to resign to the fact that he cannot carry on his crusade any further while also taking care of a family. S’ir on the other hand is young and without any burden of responsibilities is able to fully internalize the principles he chooses to follow. This rigidity, this tunnel vision, his lack of probing of a situation (the lack of initiative to hear the other side of a story), etc. I feel lead to his continuing downfall through the entire 4 hrs. of the film. Like you said that you were able to draw parallels from your own life with the character of S’ir, I also found that the perceptions I grew up with about the world and about relationships were far from the actual and I am forced to continuously revise my understanding of them; something S’ir was absolutely not willing to do. These revisions are extremely frustrating as I have to tear down my earlier imaginary portrait of it and redraw a new less ideal one in my mind. Overall, what an amazing creation by Edward Yang.
Hello and wow, thank you so much!! This is such a brilliant work, and yes, it continues to challenge me upon rewatch every time, and it never fails to move me. Cheers my dear friend.
Just finished watching this 4 chapter mini-series and let me tell you that I’m absolutely enchanted by the way you tackled this masterpiece on a very personal level. Whenever I experience a film that shakes me to the core, I can only discuss it by expressing my innermost feelings, therefore, watching how you gave us every significant thought you had on it, felt very personal. I’m really glad I found out about your channel and meet someone that respects and appreciates Edward Yang in the way he deserves. Greetings from Colombia.
Hello, Santiago Escobar, and thank you very much for your kind words. I LOVE THE WORKS OF EDWARD YANG. And this film is one of my absolute favorites. I was so nervous about these videos because I don't think I was able fully to express how I feel, and also my way of expression is not so good. So with that, comments like yours really make me very happy. Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face today. I really needed it! Cheers and I hope you are well my friend.
You are definitely right that the girl walking out of the house is the 2nd sister, not Ming. The green shirt is significant here - it is the uniform of Taipei Number One Girl’s School, the most prestigious girls middle and high school. Hsiao S’ir’s high school is also the most prestigious boys school in Taipei, except that he got demoted to the night program. The Changs are a family that values education which partly explains tension with the shop owner.
Hello Eric C and thank you so much for confirming that point. Yes, I too am sure it is not Ming, and the color of the school uniform shirt is the clue to this. And yes, the tension you refer to is exactly right. Thank you very much for confirming this. I appreciate it very much.
Such a great way to wrap up your discussion of this film Daisuke. I’m truly happy you share your love of films, in this case Brighter Summer Day, and to help expose others, for instance myself, to films and works of directors that we’ve never seen or haven’t seen a whole lot of as well as giving your thoughts on the films. And to those who have seen Brighter Summer Day, you’re able to give your take on it and say why you love it in such a way that really gets one to think and I appreciate your thoughts on whatever film you’re talking about. Brighter Summer Day sounds like a film I’d enjoy and I really hope to view it soon. Thank you again for these videos Daisuke.
This collection of videos has been the most insightful, enjoyable and engaging reviews I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of listening to. Thank you so much for shedding some light on my favorite film of all time!
Thank you SO much for this comment. It really means a lot to me, because this film is so important to me for many reasons. I really love this film and I am so glad that you feel the same way. This comment makes me very happy. I hope you are well, Hayden. Cheers and thank you again my friend.
Daisuke, I used the pandemic to my advantage and finally watched this film for the first time, and I was truly left speechless. My heart is so full, yet broken in two. And these goosebumps have yet to subside. I loved your thoughts on this film and how it relates to you. I legit think I am going watch this film again tomorrow, and I am very much looking forward to it. Thank you again, and thank you for all of your content. It is very enjoyable and I look forward to more of it. ❤️🙏
Thank you so much for this comment. I am so thrilled that you saw this film and that you reacted to the film the way that you did. Truly, I am so happy about this. What a film, eh? Such a powerful film and it always gives me chills every time.
I took the time to watch all 4 videos before putting in my opinion. I didn't know how much of an impact the film left on you due to connecting to Xiao Si'r in regards to certain aspects. That's how I feel with Travis from Paris, Texas in terms of connecting to him on certain things (but that is a discussion for another time). But these discussions certainly make me look at the film a bit differently which is nice. The first thing to mention about this film is the title itself. Although it is known as A Brighter Summer Day, the actual title Gǔlǐng jiē shàonián shārén shìjiàn can be translated along the lines as "The Youth Killing Incident on Guling Street". This is important because the inspiration for this film came about from an incident that happened back in 1961 that affected Edward Yang and others from his generation in Taiwan. The other thing involves the title 'A Brighter Summer Day' which is found in the Elvis Presley Song "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" which is misheard by the characters since the actual lyrics are "Does your memory stray to a bright summer day". That song was originally written in 1926 by Roy Turk and Lou Handman and has been covered by numerous artists with Elvis's rendition being one of the most successful. In terms of the film itself I can say that it tackles quite a few themes and issues. It could be considered something of a coming of age film on a small scale. There is also the concept of social detachment, the hardships that a family can go through along with young love and friendships that change throughout the film. It even covers the rise of Western Culture when compared to Taiwan's traditions, how life is for people in Taiwan after the rise of communism in China a short time before and even get the teenage gangs that are the Little Park Boys (children of civil servants) and the 217s (children of military officers) that makes this something of a crime film. So much goes in within the roughly 4 hour time frame but it focuses primarily on Xiao Si'r who isn't on any particular side but then gets involved with a girl and then descends down a dark path that is slow at first but hits hard right at the climax. There's even the point in the film where Xiao Si'r's father gets arrested by the police and questioned for 'ties to mainland China'. I like how you briefly referenced the "White Terror" time frame in Taiwan which was martial law that lasted from 1949-1987 that resulted in thousands of Taiwanese citizens getting arrested, imprisoned and some even executed due to real or perceived opposition to the Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party). That may also explain the tanks as well... Words don't do justice for this epic film. It has to be seen to be believed! Fun fact: Chen Chang who plays Xiao Si'r and Kuo-Chu Chang who plays Xiao Si'r's father are real life father and son.
thank you so much for sharing your reaction to this film my friend. This was a great read for me as always. I really enjoy hearing your reactions. Please take care my friend.
Hey Daisuke, I really enjoyed your discussion on this beautiful film! You always give me a new interesting insights that will help my appreciation of the film. And it's really impressive how you are able to discuss these films for a such lengthy amount of time, I wouldn't be able to do the same or at least it would take a long time to prepare my thoughts if I were to do the same. I had heard about A Brighter Summer Day before I stumbled onto your channel, but your praise about the film definitely made me more interested to see the film, and I'm glad I did. I can't wait for you to discuss Yi Yi! It's so sad that Yang and many other great filmmakers have been taken from us way too early, Yang particularly would still be in "filmmaking age".
This is such a brilliant film in many ways, and I really think you would have so many insightful things to say about it my friend. I can't wait to hear your thoughts when you get a chance. And oh yes, Yi Yi will be coming soon. And yes, Yang left us way too soon. It is very sad.
I finished this film recently, Daisuke. I was very eager to go through your 4 videos after the fact. While I definitely enjoyed this movie a great deal, I also found it surprisingly difficult which is something you somewhat alluded to in the first video. Perhaps because I found Yi Yi so easy to grasp and I wasn't fully prepared for what I had encountered. What I did find was one of the most dense narratives I've ever encountered and an acting tour de force by everyone (Chang Chen being beyond a standout). On the Narrative being dense - There were only 2 gangs but aside from the leaders I was having a difficult time keeping track of who was in what gang beyond the leaders. This makes me very eager to watch the film multiple times so I can better discern who is doing what. There were also certain threads I couldn't keep track of, such as Ming being labeled or in fact being promiscuous and Honey being on the run for some kind of Murder I believe. I also got stuck on the part where Ming was doing the screen test. Near the end when Xiao Si'r is sitting in the directors chair and the director asks for her, was this a comment on her being more than meets the eye? He said she makes everything look natural and it made me think maybe we are supposed to understand that we only see the surface of Ming and we aren't supposed to understand her inner workings which is what makes Honey and Si'r's attempts at "saving her" so futile. There is way too much to talk about with this. I think I would put this is a solid 2nd behind Yi Yi for me, but perhaps that could change in time. Regardless, this film is truly something else to behold and I likely wouldn't have done so without your praise of it. So thank you for that!
Dear Marcell, thank you so much for this excellent comment! It was such a joy for me to read. Regarding getting into the film on a first-time watch, yes, I think it is so very dense and packed with characters and information that I think it is challenging to get everything on a first-time watch. I certainly did not get everything on the first watch and even on many watches, I feel like I have not yet even been able to scratch the surface on this great film. So with that in mind I think your comment is great and very reasonable. As for the narrative thread about the screen test, I think on the one hand this is meant to suggest a certain kind of outer expression that people perceive Ming to have, and thus this could lend itself to the interpretation that Ming as a character puts on false airs whenever she is around other people. But I think that such an interpretation is not fully complete in my view, because Ming as a character does make a sort of declaration to Xiao S’ir about how she kind of resents it how the men in her life (including Xiao S’ir) have a kind of “savior” complex when it comes to her. Therefore, any “acting” that she might put on for her screen test might not necessarily be totally devoid of any truth in emotion, but then again, for many (including Tony Rayns as he describes it in his brilliant commentary to the film on the Criterion Collection), the film’s weakness is in its seeming simplistic portrayal of Ming, or more precisely, how the characters around her seem to view her, which is somewhat portrayed in the way the film portrays her (i.e. from a distance, never necessarily from her point of view, etc.). It is a tough call, but for me, I think the fact that she does make a declaration of her inner feelings at the end suggests at least in part that perhaps there is the possibility to read these screening test scenes as something more than “just an act”.
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Just finished your entire review of A Brighter Summer Day. I'm glad that there's a movie reviewer like you who not only does videos on old movies, but also shows as much appreciation towards them as I have, or even greater. Edward Yang's decision of showing parallels between characters can be confusing, but ultimately rewarding for the viewer. And it's evident just how much attention and effort you put into your review. I can't wait for more people to finally watch this epic, and ultimately, follow this review series.
Hello and thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, this film means so much to me. I admit too that I am not at all on the level intellectually where I would be able to talk about this film in any satisfactory way. So, while I did my best with these discussions, they are very incomplete and also I feel like I keep learning from this film every time. And every time I realize just how little I know about this work. This means that I always want to learn more about it. I think for me in particular it is the language and the intricacies of the language which I do not understand (because I do not speak the language). Still, this film means so much to me and I am so very very very honored by your lovely and kind message my friend. It truly means a lot to me. Thank you so much. Cheers.
Hello Daisuke! I finally was able to carve out a day to watch and truly sink into this astounding film. I have been exploring many of the works of Edward Yang and indeed the Taiwan New Wave throughout 2021 and knew that A Brighter Summer Day deserved my full and undivided attention. What an extraordinary experience and thank you so much for this wonderful series that I have also had bookmarked for a long time, ready for when I could deep dive fully into this utter masterpiece. All the best and thank you once again from Scotland my friend!
Hello again and thank you so much for watching this film. Yes it is so extraordinary and thank you so much for sharing with us your reaction to this work. And I am so moved that you would return to this video as well. I hope you are well and warmest warmest regards my friend.
Fantastic videos! Just watched this film yesterday, and loved it. It's so densely packed, though, so it's been a great help to listen to someone who is obviously passionate about the film. So much to digest, I'm really looking forward to listening to Tony Rayns' commentary and diving into more east-asian cinema. Thanks for the series!
I watched it 3 times every time its getting better and better. After the first time I liked it. After the second time I loved it. After the third time its my favorite movie of all time together with Blade Runner 2049 and its the movie I think about the most, if i find time I will watch the Commentary. A Brighter Summer Day is as perfect as a movie can be even a bit better. I can not thank you enough for recommending me a movie i will never forget and for bringing joy in my life in these hard times.
Greetings from Germany,
Kim
Hello Kim my dear friend, and wow, thank you so much for this great comment. And I also notice that your avatar is also related to this film!!! That is so awesome my dear friend.
I might be over a year late, but I just watched A Brighter Summer Day. Wow, what a movie! Your discussion has made me love this movie more and more.
I am so glad to hear that my dear friend!! Your comment has put a huge smile on my face.
Thank you so much for these videos, Daisuke. An excellent journey through this film. I finally watched it for the first time yesterday and my head is still swirling. I loved the first two hours but had no idea what was the point of the third hour, particularly with the father’s interrogation, and it really took me out of it. But after reading some analysis (and watching your video) it snapped into place for me. I will definitely need to rewatch (I was comforted when in the first vid you said that there’s STILL some things that confuse you haha), but there’s no doubt that this is a masterpiece that deserves its praise. I truly don’t understand how some people can create such art but thank the gods for them. Again, love the vids - your passion and knowledge of film shines through.
Hello and wow, thank you so much for sharing with us your reaction to this great film. Yes, this is a film that is so rewarding upon rewatch. I agree. Warmest regards and I hope you enjoy your journey and engagement with this great film.
@@DaisukeBeppu Thank you, Daisuke. I've been watching a few of your vids since posting this comment. You're rapidly becoming one of my favorite TH-camrs. Excellent stuff.
Thanks for this discussion! This is my favorite film of all time and it’s nice to hear someone talk about it on this site.
Hello and thank you so much for your comment. It makes me so very happy whenever I receive a comment like yours, because it means that I get to hear from another person who loves this great work of cinema! Thank you so much for making my day, and I hope you have a great rest of your week and weekend.
Daisuke, this is my favorite film of all the films that I have seen till now. And your deep dive into it is the best next to (I mean just as good) a review written on Letterboxd about this movie that I have read. There is a saying that “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree”, and I felt both the father and S’ir are tragically carrying the same burden of committing to principles they believe in without any room for negotiations or surrender. They cannot imagine not standing up to things they believe are wrong. The father with his young days long behind is forced to resign to the fact that he cannot carry on his crusade any further while also taking care of a family. S’ir on the other hand is young and without any burden of responsibilities is able to fully internalize the principles he chooses to follow. This rigidity, this tunnel vision, his lack of probing of a situation (the lack of initiative to hear the other side of a story), etc. I feel lead to his continuing downfall through the entire 4 hrs. of the film.
Like you said that you were able to draw parallels from your own life with the character of S’ir, I also found that the perceptions I grew up with about the world and about relationships were far from the actual and I am forced to continuously revise my understanding of them; something S’ir was absolutely not willing to do. These revisions are extremely frustrating as I have to tear down my earlier imaginary portrait of it and redraw a new less ideal one in my mind.
Overall, what an amazing creation by Edward Yang.
Hello and wow, thank you so much!! This is such a brilliant work, and yes, it continues to challenge me upon rewatch every time, and it never fails to move me. Cheers my dear friend.
Really well said. It's a life lesson that everyone must learn, and hopefully be taught to them, by this film
All-time cinema (and analysis!)
Wow, you are so very very kind!! Thank you and yes, this is one of my favorite films ever. What a masterpiece this is.
Just finished watching this 4 chapter mini-series and let me tell you that I’m absolutely enchanted by the way you tackled this masterpiece on a very personal level. Whenever I experience a film that shakes me to the core, I can only discuss it by expressing my innermost feelings, therefore, watching how you gave us every significant thought you had on it, felt very personal. I’m really glad I found out about your channel and meet someone that respects and appreciates Edward Yang in the way he deserves. Greetings from Colombia.
Hello, Santiago Escobar, and thank you very much for your kind words.
I LOVE THE WORKS OF EDWARD YANG. And this film is one of my absolute favorites.
I was so nervous about these videos because I don't think I was able fully to express how I feel, and also my way of expression is not so good. So with that, comments like yours really make me very happy. Thank you so much for putting a smile on my face today. I really needed it! Cheers and I hope you are well my friend.
You are definitely right that the girl walking out of the house is the 2nd sister, not Ming. The green shirt is significant here - it is the uniform of Taipei Number One Girl’s School, the most prestigious girls middle and high school. Hsiao S’ir’s high school is also the most prestigious boys school in Taipei, except that he got demoted to the night program. The Changs are a family that values education which partly explains tension with the shop owner.
Hello Eric C and thank you so much for confirming that point. Yes, I too am sure it is not Ming, and the color of the school uniform shirt is the clue to this. And yes, the tension you refer to is exactly right. Thank you very much for confirming this. I appreciate it very much.
Such a great way to wrap up your discussion of this film Daisuke. I’m truly happy you share your love of films, in this case Brighter Summer Day, and to help expose others, for instance myself, to films and works of directors that we’ve never seen or haven’t seen a whole lot of as well as giving your thoughts on the films. And to those who have seen Brighter Summer Day, you’re able to give your take on it and say why you love it in such a way that really gets one to think and I appreciate your thoughts on whatever film you’re talking about. Brighter Summer Day sounds like a film I’d enjoy and I really hope to view it soon. Thank you again for these videos Daisuke.
Thank you so much for always commenting on these videos of mine. It really makes me very happy to be able to read your words.
You are very welcome Daisuke.
This collection of videos has been the most insightful, enjoyable and engaging reviews I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of listening to. Thank you so much for shedding some light on my favorite film of all time!
Thank you SO much for this comment. It really means a lot to me, because this film is so important to me for many reasons. I really love this film and I am so glad that you feel the same way. This comment makes me very happy.
I hope you are well, Hayden. Cheers and thank you again my friend.
Daisuke, I used the pandemic to my advantage and finally watched this film for the first time, and I was truly left speechless. My heart is so full, yet broken in two. And these goosebumps have yet to subside. I loved your thoughts on this film and how it relates to you. I legit think I am going watch this film again tomorrow, and I am very much looking forward to it. Thank you again, and thank you for all of your content. It is very enjoyable and I look forward to more of it. ❤️🙏
Thank you so much for this comment. I am so thrilled that you saw this film and that you reacted to the film the way that you did. Truly, I am so happy about this. What a film, eh? Such a powerful film and it always gives me chills every time.
Also, Rayns a god of cinema criticism!
OH yes, indeed!!
I took the time to watch all 4 videos before putting in my opinion. I didn't know how much of an impact the film left on you due to connecting to Xiao Si'r in regards to certain aspects. That's how I feel with Travis from Paris, Texas in terms of connecting to him on certain things (but that is a discussion for another time). But these discussions certainly make me look at the film a bit differently which is nice.
The first thing to mention about this film is the title itself. Although it is known as A Brighter Summer Day, the actual title Gǔlǐng jiē shàonián shārén shìjiàn can be translated along the lines as "The Youth Killing Incident on Guling Street". This is important because the inspiration for this film came about from an incident that happened back in 1961 that affected Edward Yang and others from his generation in Taiwan. The other thing involves the title 'A Brighter Summer Day' which is found in the Elvis Presley Song "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" which is misheard by the characters since the actual lyrics are "Does your memory stray to a bright summer day". That song was originally written in 1926 by Roy Turk and Lou Handman and has been covered by numerous artists with Elvis's rendition being one of the most successful.
In terms of the film itself I can say that it tackles quite a few themes and issues. It could be considered something of a coming of age film on a small scale. There is also the concept of social detachment, the hardships that a family can go through along with young love and friendships that change throughout the film. It even covers the rise of Western Culture when compared to Taiwan's traditions, how life is for people in Taiwan after the rise of communism in China a short time before and even get the teenage gangs that are the Little Park Boys (children of civil servants) and the 217s (children of military officers) that makes this something of a crime film.
So much goes in within the roughly 4 hour time frame but it focuses primarily on Xiao Si'r who isn't on any particular side but then gets involved with a girl and then descends down a dark path that is slow at first but hits hard right at the climax. There's even the point in the film where Xiao Si'r's father gets arrested by the police and questioned for 'ties to mainland China'. I like how you briefly referenced the "White Terror" time frame in Taiwan which was martial law that lasted from 1949-1987 that resulted in thousands of Taiwanese citizens getting arrested, imprisoned and some even executed due to real or perceived opposition to the Kuomintang (Chinese Nationalist Party). That may also explain the tanks as well...
Words don't do justice for this epic film. It has to be seen to be believed!
Fun fact: Chen Chang who plays Xiao Si'r and Kuo-Chu Chang who plays Xiao Si'r's father are real life father and son.
thank you so much for sharing your reaction to this film my friend. This was a great read for me as always. I really enjoy hearing your reactions. Please take care my friend.
And Chang Chen's elder brother, Chang Han, acted as Xiao Si's elder brother in the film.
Bruce Ying yes!!!
Hey Daisuke, I really enjoyed your discussion on this beautiful film! You always give me a new interesting insights that will help my appreciation of the film. And it's really impressive how you are able to discuss these films for a such lengthy amount of time, I wouldn't be able to do the same or at least it would take a long time to prepare my thoughts if I were to do the same. I had heard about A Brighter Summer Day before I stumbled onto your channel, but your praise about the film definitely made me more interested to see the film, and I'm glad I did. I can't wait for you to discuss Yi Yi! It's so sad that Yang and many other great filmmakers have been taken from us way too early, Yang particularly would still be in "filmmaking age".
This is such a brilliant film in many ways, and I really think you would have so many insightful things to say about it my friend. I can't wait to hear your thoughts when you get a chance.
And oh yes, Yi Yi will be coming soon. And yes, Yang left us way too soon. It is very sad.
I finished this film recently, Daisuke. I was very eager to go through your 4 videos after the fact.
While I definitely enjoyed this movie a great deal, I also found it surprisingly difficult which is something you somewhat alluded to in the first video. Perhaps because I found Yi Yi so easy to grasp and I wasn't fully prepared for what I had encountered. What I did find was one of the most dense narratives I've ever encountered and an acting tour de force by everyone (Chang Chen being beyond a standout).
On the Narrative being dense - There were only 2 gangs but aside from the leaders I was having a difficult time keeping track of who was in what gang beyond the leaders. This makes me very eager to watch the film multiple times so I can better discern who is doing what. There were also certain threads I couldn't keep track of, such as Ming being labeled or in fact being promiscuous and Honey being on the run for some kind of Murder I believe.
I also got stuck on the part where Ming was doing the screen test. Near the end when Xiao Si'r is sitting in the directors chair and the director asks for her, was this a comment on her being more than meets the eye? He said she makes everything look natural and it made me think maybe we are supposed to understand that we only see the surface of Ming and we aren't supposed to understand her inner workings which is what makes Honey and Si'r's attempts at "saving her" so futile.
There is way too much to talk about with this. I think I would put this is a solid 2nd behind Yi Yi for me, but perhaps that could change in time. Regardless, this film is truly something else to behold and I likely wouldn't have done so without your praise of it. So thank you for that!
Dear Marcell, thank you so much for this excellent comment! It was such a joy for me to read.
Regarding getting into the film on a first-time watch, yes, I think it is so very dense and packed with characters and information that I think it is challenging to get everything on a first-time watch. I certainly did not get everything on the first watch and even on many watches, I feel like I have not yet even been able to scratch the surface on this great film. So with that in mind I think your comment is great and very reasonable.
As for the narrative thread about the screen test, I think on the one hand this is meant to suggest a certain kind of outer expression that people perceive Ming to have, and thus this could lend itself to the interpretation that Ming as a character puts on false airs whenever she is around other people. But I think that such an interpretation is not fully complete in my view, because Ming as a character does make a sort of declaration to Xiao S’ir about how she kind of resents it how the men in her life (including Xiao S’ir) have a kind of “savior” complex when it comes to her. Therefore, any “acting” that she might put on for her screen test might not necessarily be totally devoid of any truth in emotion, but then again, for many (including Tony Rayns as he describes it in his brilliant commentary to the film on the Criterion Collection), the film’s weakness is in its seeming simplistic portrayal of Ming, or more precisely, how the characters around her seem to view her, which is somewhat portrayed in the way the film portrays her (i.e. from a distance, never necessarily from her point of view, etc.). It is a tough call, but for me, I think the fact that she does make a declaration of her inner feelings at the end suggests at least in part that perhaps there is the possibility to read these screening test scenes as something more than “just an act”.