I don't write reviews that often. but I had to write about the effect this story had on me.
The sensitivity and beauty portrayed and expressed by all the characters is rarely found on the screen. It must be said that although there are aspects to this story that might only found in the political atmosphere of that era (that is the Cold War and the relationship between 'Formosa' and mainland China) it is a story that is universal.
One of the many things I admired about this film was that it never descended into sentimentality. Something that could have happened quite easily in less expert and competent hands. The director has steered this film with just the right touch.
One reviewer was unhappy with the musical score. Just as an aside the song the young lovers sang together fitted perfectly with the narrative and the times. It is from the film 'The Great Waltz'. the lyric is '...you told me you loved me when we were young one day.' How apt isthat to the context of the film.
Anyone with a love of cinema will be richly rewarded by taking the time to appreciate this film. I am sorry that I could only watch it on my laptop. The cinematography would have been breathtaking on the big screen.
The sensitivity and beauty portrayed and expressed by all the characters is rarely found on the screen. It must be said that although there are aspects to this story that might only found in the political atmosphere of that era (that is the Cold War and the relationship between 'Formosa' and mainland China) it is a story that is universal.
One of the many things I admired about this film was that it never descended into sentimentality. Something that could have happened quite easily in less expert and competent hands. The director has steered this film with just the right touch.
One reviewer was unhappy with the musical score. Just as an aside the song the young lovers sang together fitted perfectly with the narrative and the times. It is from the film 'The Great Waltz'. the lyric is '...you told me you loved me when we were young one day.' How apt isthat to the context of the film.
Anyone with a love of cinema will be richly rewarded by taking the time to appreciate this film. I am sorry that I could only watch it on my laptop. The cinematography would have been breathtaking on the big screen.