Xing kong

Anyone expecting a simple, juvenile romantic comedy from this brilliant adaptation of Jimmy (Jimi) Liao's classic picture book will be very disappointed. Instead it is a breathtaking portrait of the joys and tragedy of being 13 years old told with more sensitivity, humor and insight than almost any other film about the razor's edge of childhood turning into adolescence. Starry Starry Night evokes the visual style of Liao's book, but opens out the story into one with a clear beginning, middle and end. The two young leads couldn't be more perfect and all of the supporting, adult cast are real and believable. The surprising fantasy elements are beautifully folded into the story, always revealing the hidden inner lives of the characters and never just to show off how clever CG effects can be. Be aware, though, that there are startlingly raw moments of emotional pain: don't expect a saccharine sweet love-story. This is a film about the loss of childhood that holds both the joy and the tears carefully in its hands.

It's a pity that more of Jimi's books are not available in English translation. They have sold more than 3 million copies in Asia and deserve to be read all over the world.