The film chronicles the life of Ah-ha (Hou) and his family during the years 1947-1960. The family, consisting of Ah-ha, his three brothers, a sister, his mother and father and his grandmother, are adapting to life after their move from China to Taiwan, after the end of the second world war. His father falls sick, as Ah-Ha takes his exams at school. The film then skips ahead ten years, where Ah-ha joins the bored youth rebellion, joining a street gang and violently attacking other street gangs (similar to 'A Brighter Summers Day'). However it's not long until disaster strikes again.
After watching 'The Terrorizers' I was starting to thing Edward Yang was the best Taiwanese director, but now it has flipped once again. This film is phenomenal in every way. I don't think a film has ever been as personal as this in the history of cinema. 'Au revoir les enfants' came close, but this film is far more epic in scope. Telling the audience, in a non-causal narrative, the childhood of Hsiao-Hsien, the second in his childhood trilogy (succeeding 'A Summer at Grandpa's' and preceding 'Dust in the Wind').
Hsiao-Hsien's films depict historical events in Taiwan over the last century. This film shows the exile of millions of Chinese, to Taiwan after World War Two, via a single family. The alienation they feel, and the adaption to their new homes in Taiwan, while feeling insecure about their future.
As Woody Allen is Ingmar Bergman's biggest fan, Hou Hsiao-Hsien is Yasujiro Ozu's biggest fan. All his films have many similarities. The housing in Taiwan is similar to the Japanese, due to a war the Chinese fought for twenty years, big events happening to small families, and the peaceful tone of his films carry similarities to Ozu's filmography. Hsiao-Hsien's films have many of his own characteristics, most notably the long shots. They are a trademark of his film repertoire and this was the first film they were noticeable.
The film is quiet and subtle, while simultaneously being powerful and unforgettable. I can't explain what occurs in the film but a title called 'A Time to Live and a Time to Die' means there will be a few deaths. As well as the 'If someone cough's they will die before the end' trope.
TO CONCLUDE
For a film which is slow, beautiful, and peaceful, it is incredibly powerful. Long shots, Taiwanese history, an emotional piano soundtrack and wonderful acting, combine to create an unforgettable epic.
SCORE
86
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