If you’ve dipped your toes into the enchanting waters of Taiwanese cinema through the beloved classic “You Are the Apple of My Eye” (้ฃไบๅนด๏ผๆๅไธ่ตท่ฟฝ็ๅฅณๅญฉ), you’ve experienced a taste of its unique charm. That film, with its heartwarming nostalgia and bittersweet first love story, truly captured the hearts of many. โค๏ธ But trust us, that’s just the tip of the iceberg! ๐ง
Taiwanese films offer a unique blend of poignant storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and a deep dive into human emotions and societal nuances. From profound family dramas to gritty tales of brotherhood and historical epics, there’s a rich tapestry of narratives waiting for you. Based on critical acclaim, popular reception, and cinematic significance, here are five absolute must-watch Taiwanese movies that will expand your appreciation for this incredible film landscape. Get ready to expand your watchlist and discover five more cinematic gems that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression! โจ
1. “Yi Yi” (A One and a Two…) (ไธไธ) – Directed by Edward Yang (ๆฅๅพทๆ)
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Often cited as one of the greatest films of the 21st century, “Yi Yi” is a masterpiece of quiet observation and profound human insight. Directed by the legendary Edward Yang, this film offers a sprawling yet intimate look into the lives of the Jian family, a middle-class household in Taipei, over the course of a year. It meticulously explores the existential crises, everyday struggles, and universal search for meaning across three generations โ from the patriarch NJ, navigating a mid-life crisis, to his young son Yang-Yang, who uses his camera to show people “what they can’t see.” ๐ง
- What makes it special? “Yi Yi” is like holding up a mirror to life itself. It’s not about grand gestures or dramatic twists, but about the subtle complexities of relationships, the quiet moments of despair, hope, and understanding. Yang’s direction is masterful, allowing scenes to breathe and characters to reveal themselves with incredible depth. The cinematography is understated yet beautiful, perfectly capturing the urban landscape of Taipei and the interior worlds of its inhabitants. It’s a film that stays with you, inviting introspection and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and sadness of ordinary existence.
- You’ll love it if you enjoy: Deep character studies, slice-of-life dramas, films that make you ponder the meaning of life and family.
- Feeling after watching: Profoundly reflective, slightly melancholic, but ultimately hopeful and deeply human. ๐๐
2. “Eat Drink Man Woman” (้ฃฒ้ฃ็ทๅฅณ) – Directed by Ang Lee (ๆๅฎ)
Why it’s a Must-Watch: From the acclaimed director Ang Lee (who later gave us “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Life of Pi”), “Eat Drink Man Woman” is a vibrant, heartwarming, and often humorous exploration of family, tradition, and communication, with food as its delicious centerpiece. ๐จโ๐ณ The story revolves around Master Chef Chu, a widower and culinary genius, and his three unmarried adult daughters living together in Taipei. Their Sunday dinners, elaborate feasts prepared by Chu, are the only times they truly connect, yet they are also fraught with unspoken desires, changing relationships, and surprising announcements. ๐
- What makes it special? The film brilliantly uses food as a metaphor for love, passion, and the unspoken language within a family. The opening sequence alone, showcasing Chef Chu’s meticulous preparation of an extravagant meal, is a cinematic feast in itself! Beyond the mouth-watering visuals, the film delves into the challenges of bridging generational gaps, breaking free from tradition, and finding love in unexpected places. It’s a culturally rich experience that feels both distinctly Taiwanese and universally relatable. Ang Lee’s direction is incredibly warm and engaging, making you feel like a guest at their chaotic yet loving dinner table.
- You’ll love it if you enjoy: Family dramas, romantic comedies, films where food plays a central role, cultural insights into Asian traditions.
- Feeling after watching: Warm, hungry, and full of appreciation for family bonds (and perhaps a craving for some authentic Chinese cuisine!). ๐โค๏ธ
3. “A City of Sadness” (ๆฒๆ ๅๅธ) – Directed by Hou Hsiao-Hsien (ไพฏๅญ่ณข)
Why it’s a Must-Watch: If you’re ready for a more profound and historically significant experience, “A City of Sadness” is an absolute must. This landmark film, directed by the legendary Hou Hsiao-Hsien, was the first Taiwanese film to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival (in 1989). It bravely tackles one of Taiwan’s most sensitive historical events: the “228 Incident” and the subsequent “White Terror” period, when the KMT government suppressed political dissidents. ๐๏ธ The narrative follows the Lin family, particularly the deaf-mute photographer Lin Wen-ching, as they navigate the turbulent years from 1945 to 1949, dealing with the fallout of war, political oppression, and personal tragedies. ๐
- What makes it special? Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s signature style of long takes, deep focus, and meticulously composed frames creates an immersive, contemplative atmosphere. The film doesn’t overtly preach or sensationalize; instead, it offers a poetic, almost elegiac portrayal of a society in turmoil through the lens of one family’s suffering. It’s a powerful and often heartbreaking testament to a period of history that was long suppressed. The film’s beauty lies in its quiet dignity and the way it captures the resilience of the human spirit amidst profound sorrow.
- You’ll love it if you enjoy: Historical dramas, art-house cinema, films that explore political and social themes, visually stunning and contemplative storytelling.
- Feeling after watching: Somber, deeply moved, historically informed, and appreciative of the courage required to tell such a story. ๐๐ฌ
4. “Dear Ex” (่ชฐๅ ๆไธไป็) – Directed by Mag Hsu (ๅพ่ญฝๅบญ) & Hsu Chih-yen (่จฑๆบๅฝฅ)
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Shifting to a more contemporary and emotionally raw experience, “Dear Ex” is a brilliant and surprisingly witty drama that challenges traditional family structures and explores grief, acceptance, and love in all its forms. ๐ The story kicks off when Liu San-lian discovers that her recently deceased husband has left his life insurance policy to his male lover, Jay, instead of to her and their teenage son, Song Cheng. What follows is a messy, hilarious, and ultimately heartbreaking journey as San-lian and Cheng confront Jay, their own prejudices, and the complex truth about the man they both loved. ๐ณ๏ธโ๐
- What makes it special? This film is a masterclass in blending comedy and tragedy. It tackles serious themes like LGBTQ+ rights, family dynamics, and the different ways people grieve, but with a sharp wit and genuine humor that makes it incredibly engaging. The performances are absolutely phenomenal, particularly Hsieh Ying-hsuan as the fiery San-lian and Roy Chiu as the flamboyant and surprisingly vulnerable Jay. It’s a modern Taiwanese classic that pushes boundaries, evokes strong emotions, and offers a fresh, honest perspective on what it means to be a family in the 21st century.
- You’ll love it if you enjoy: Dramedies, LGBTQ+ cinema, films with strong performances, stories about unconventional families, and narratives that make you laugh and cry in equal measure.
- Feeling after watching: Emotionally drained but uplifted, thoughtful, and perhaps a little more open-minded. ๐๐ญ
5. “Monga” (่่บ) – Directed by Doze Niu (้ๆฟๆพค)
Why it’s a Must-Watch: If you’re looking for something with more grit, style, and explosive energy, “Monga” is your go-to. Set in the vibrant, seedy streets of Taipei’s oldest district in the 1980s, this film is a stylish and intense coming-of-age story about brotherhood, loyalty, and betrayal within the world of gangster life. ๐ค๐ค It follows Mosquito, a timid high school student who finds himself drawn into a powerful triad gang and quickly learns the harsh realities of their world alongside his new brothers. ๐
- What makes it special? “Monga” is visually stunning, with a kinetic energy that immerses you in its world of neon lights, back alleys, and brutal fights. It’s not just an action flick; it’s a deep dive into the dynamics of male friendship, the allure of power, and the tragic consequences of choices made in youth. The performances from its ensemble cast, particularly Ethan Juan and Mark Chao, are compelling and raw. It paints a vivid picture of a specific time and place in Taiwanese history, showcasing the unique cultural blend of traditional customs and emerging modern influences within the underworld. It’s a thrilling ride with plenty of heart and drama.
- You’ll love it if you enjoy: Gangster films, coming-of-age stories, action-dramas, films with strong male leads, and a glimpse into Taiwan’s subcultures.
- Feeling after watching: Pumped, exhilarated, and maybe a little heartbroken by the complexities of loyalty and betrayal. ๐ฅ๐ฉธ
Dive Deeper into Taiwanese Cinema!
From the quiet observations of life to the explosive dramas of brotherhood, Taiwanese cinema is a treasure trove of stories waiting to be discovered. These five films represent just a fraction of the incredible talent and diverse narratives that Taiwan has to offer. Each one provides a unique window into the island’s culture, history, and the universal human experience.
So, queue them up, grab some bubble tea, and prepare to be moved, entertained, and deeply impressed by the cinematic magic from Taiwan! ๐ฟ๐ฅค
Have you seen any of these? What are YOUR favorite Taiwanese films beyond “The Apple of My Eye”? Share your recommendations in the comments below! ๐
Happy watching! ๐ G