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Detention

Original title: Fan xiao
  • 2019
  • TV-MA
  • 1h 42m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
4.2K
YOUR RATING
Gingle Wang in Detention (2019)
Official Trailer
Play trailer1:11
2 Videos
45 Photos
DramaHorrorMysteryThriller

In 1962 Taiwan, student Fang and teacher Mr. Chang fall in love amidst the restrictive White Terror period banning sensitive books. Despite this, Mr. Chang secretly organizes a banned book s... Read allIn 1962 Taiwan, student Fang and teacher Mr. Chang fall in love amidst the restrictive White Terror period banning sensitive books. Despite this, Mr. Chang secretly organizes a banned book study group with fellow teacher and student.In 1962 Taiwan, student Fang and teacher Mr. Chang fall in love amidst the restrictive White Terror period banning sensitive books. Despite this, Mr. Chang secretly organizes a banned book study group with fellow teacher and student.

  • Director
    • John Hsu
  • Writers
    • Shih-Keng Chien
    • Lyra Fu
    • John Hsu
  • Stars
    • Gingle Wang
    • Meng-Po Fu
    • Jing-Hua Tseng
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.6/10
    4.2K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • John Hsu
    • Writers
      • Shih-Keng Chien
      • Lyra Fu
      • John Hsu
    • Stars
      • Gingle Wang
      • Meng-Po Fu
      • Jing-Hua Tseng
    • 39User reviews
    • 70Critic reviews
    • 67Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 13 wins & 20 nominations total

    Videos2

    Detention
    Trailer 1:11
    Detention
    Detention U.S. trailer, Dekanalog
    Trailer 1:11
    Detention U.S. trailer, Dekanalog
    Detention U.S. trailer, Dekanalog
    Trailer 1:11
    Detention U.S. trailer, Dekanalog

    Photos44

    View Poster
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    + 39
    View Poster

    Top cast14

    Edit
    Gingle Wang
    Gingle Wang
    • Fang Ray-Shin
    Meng-Po Fu
    Meng-Po Fu
    • Chang Ming-Hui
    Jing-Hua Tseng
    Jing-Hua Tseng
    • Wei Chong-Ting
    • (as Chin-Hua Tseng)
    Cecilia Choi
    Cecilia Choi
    • Yin Cui-Han
    Hung Chang Chu
    • Inspector Bai
    Yue-Ti Liu
    Yue-Ti Liu
    • Mr. Kao
    Pen-yu Chang
    Pen-yu Chang
    • Fang's Mother
    • (as Jessie Chang)
    Ching-Ting Hsia
    Ching-Ting Hsia
    • Fang's Father
    Chung-Yueh Yun
    Chung-Yueh Yun
    • Old Wei Zhong-Ting
    Chin-Yu Pan
    Chin-Yu Pan
    • Sheng
    Kuan-yi Lee
    Kuan-yi Lee
    • Wen-Xiong
    Moon Lee
    Moon Lee
    • Zhou Xin
    Yu-Jen Liu
    • Chang
    Ko-Yuan Wang
    Ko-Yuan Wang
    • Huang You-Xin
    • Director
      • John Hsu
    • Writers
      • Shih-Keng Chien
      • Lyra Fu
      • John Hsu
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews39

    6.64.1K
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    Featured reviews

    10cyh-92371

    A new milestone for Taiwanese movie

    It's classified as a thriller, but what catches my eyes is the plot and the awesome choice of the actors and actresses. Even if you don't understand Taiwanese history, the movie is still deserved watching. I expected to be frightened When entering the theater, but end up crying when leaving.
    7SoumikBanerjee1996

    Utilised the emotions well!

    Let's get off with the negatives first, because I couldn't find more than two... First, the quality of the CGI falls short, which does acts as a deterrent in overall experience, as visuals are a critical component in the storyline here and two, like many other reviewers, I too have found the conclusion a bit unsatisfactory and believe it warranted a more skilful resolution.

    With all that being said, I am genuinely impressed by how the writing aptly blends metaphor and psychological elements within a narrative that primarily addresses the dark, oppressive era of "White Terror" in Taiwan in 60s'.

    While "Detention" is fundamentally a historical period drama, it is infused with a level of technical excellence typically associated with horror productions, which, in my opinion, enhances its appeal. Another commendable aspect is the acting, which as we all know could significantly influence the efficacy of a narrative, regardless of the literary and technical expertise available.

    I would also like to appreciate the honesty and dedication demonstrated by each member of the cast, particularly Gingle Wang as Fang Ray-shin. Portraying a complex character like that is no easy feat, yet she effectively conveyed the anger and resentment that are deeply ingrained in her personality, her performance undoubtedly leaves the biggest mark!
    8torinchien

    Mind Blowing Thriller from Taiwanese White Terror Period!

    The story is a tragedy during Taiwanese white terror period.(1949-1991) During this period the freedom of assembly and association are strictly forbidden. In this film, many people are sentenced to death for the reasons which are considered far from crimes today. The budget of this movie is less than 3 million US dollar. However the quality of this movie is much way better than it's cost. Good script. Good casting. Good directing. Good sound design. Good scoring. And excellent production design! Especially it was adapted from a computer game with the same title "Detention". It is very hard to adapt a computer game to a film, but they made it! Though the story still has some pacing problems, it's still an excellent work with this budget. I enjoyed this film very much.
    6r-94945

    its ok in genral

    As a viewer from mainland of china,it shows at least a bit history of taiwan back in the white horror.But as a film,its too divisive.2 storyline combined a bit awkward.
    jackson_ro

    Detention

    There is novelty in the film Detention, it tries to be political, tries to be ideological and tries to be romantic. All of these elements are present and works, but the film is also messy and problematic, perhaps due to the film trying to stay loyal to the film. The film explores a fascinating piece of history in Taiwan that is not often talked about, but maybe if the setting could be done in a non-horror film format it would have worked better, because everything else is really good.

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The film is adapted from a video game by the same name created by Red Candle Games, a Taiwanese game developer. The same company has been involved in a political controversy surrounding alleged sacasm targeting Chinese president Xi Jinping in another horror game it created, /Devotion/ ("Huanyuan"). A proof of such allegation is an inconspicuous reference to Winnie the Pooh ("Xiaoxiong Weini"), an unwelcomed nickname for the Chinese leader, in the game, which is concealed in esoteric seal characters.
    • Soundtracks
      The Day After Rain
      Music by Luming Lu & Summer Lei

      Lyrics & Performed by Summer Lei

      [Theme Song]

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    FAQ

    • How long is Detention?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 8, 2021 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • Taiwan
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • Mandarin
      • Min Nan
    • Also known as
      • 返校
    • Production companies
      • 1 Production Film
      • Filmagic Pictures Co.
      • Gamania Digital Entertainment Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross worldwide
      • $1,687,554
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 42 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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