Xiao shi de qing ren jie

Structure of the story and light-hearted yet profound music play significant roles in this "quiet" romantic comedy that shines, which is a rare case even in Chinese-language cinema. (Although most of the dialogue is done in Mandarin, most of the humor lies not verbally, or precisely speaking, also lies not on Taiwanese the local dialect.) Comedic timing was almost pure and perfect for me until I was surprised by my tears when I saw a man showing up onto the night bus in that semi-philosophical sequence towards the end of the movie. All of a sudden, I realized it's way more than a comedy. Wow!

"Love yourself well, because someone out there has been in love with you." As this shows up on screen like a last missing piece for this poetic modern fantasy about love and lost and found... I feel happily relieved, and of course, heart-warmed. It feels like watching Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain years ago.

"But no, A Tai is too diffident to do that, instead he must conjure up a tortuous way to let her know his feelings, including the crucial Valentine's Day, the world stops stock-still except for him (, and later, another slowpoke turns out to be Hsiao-Chi's father (seasoned musician Ayugo Huang, civilly lends a philosophical tone to his character's reprehensible deeds), who has deserted his family years ago. But in this day and age, A Tai's innocent manhandling of a puppet-like Hsiao-Chi could easily evoke discomfort for those who are too powerless to refuse a man's inappropriate advances, it only adds creepiness to A Tai's obsession, luckily he is a good guy, but his dicey behavior cannot be OKed for the sake of Chen's romantic notion. If you like a woman, just let her know, please, and any body contact without both parties' consensus is categorically unacceptable."

read my full review on my blog: Cinema Omnivore, thanks.

Sweet, touching, meaningful film done in a imaginative way. however the usual eccentric overacting that taiwan/japan/korea audiences love might not be for everyone.

The storyline is rich and entertaining and touching. It's a love story with some mysterious sci fic parts involved. With all different themes put in a movie it's surprising natural and good. The touching part exist as well. Like a topnotch fusion dish. Quite special Taiwan movie.

Some bug about the time explanation but that's won't bother me as the film go smoothly to the end. I like how it's was shoot when it's come to singing and phone call. A fun, relax and enjoy to watch with your friends and family.