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The title is entirely appropriate: the film is a chilling snapshot of Eighties Taipei, a frenetic boomtown where nondescript buildings go up overnight. Underneath all this apparent prosperity, Yang finds a crushing uncertainty. TAIPEI STORY records the break-up of the longstanding relationship between developer Shu-Chen (played by pop star Tsai Chin) and businessman Lon (acclaimed director Hou Hsiao-hsien). Initially, the couple appears to be riding Taiwan's newfound prosperity, but it soon becomes abundantly clear that they are barely scraping by, and one or two setbacks can completely change their lives. Yang expertly mixes this with a layered portrait of the contrasting values adhered to by the different communities that comprise modern-day Taiwan. The older generation bemoans the lack of morals of the current adult generation, but they're equally confused - and even more terrified. "[A] quietly stunning drama which sees the various problems facing a rapidly modernized city reflected in the lives of a dozen or so subtly observed characters" (Tom Charity, Time Out).
Rated PG
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