Taiwanese cinema, often described as a hidden gem, possesses a unique charm that captivates audiences worldwide. Far from the flashy blockbusters, these films offer a profound, introspective, and often melancholic look into human emotions, societal changes, and the intricate tapestry of everyday life. From the quiet poetry of the Taiwanese New Wave to the vibrant storytelling of contemporary works, Taiwan’s cinematic landscape is rich with unforgettable tales.
So, grab your popcorn 🍿 and get ready to embark on a cinematic journey! Based on critical acclaim, historical significance, and enduring popularity, here are 10 must-see Taiwanese films that will touch your heart, challenge your mind, and leave a lasting impression.
The Golden Age: Masters of the Taiwanese New Wave & Beyond 🎬🌟
The 1980s marked a pivotal era for Taiwanese cinema with the emergence of the “Taiwanese New Wave.” Directors like Edward Yang and Hou Hsiao-Hsien broke away from commercial formulas, embracing realist narratives, long takes, and deep focus to paint nuanced portraits of Taiwanese society.
1. A Brighter Summer Day (牯嶺街少年殺人事件, 1991) 💔🏫🔪
- Director: Edward Yang
- Why it’s a Must-See: A sprawling, four-hour epic masterwork that defines the Taiwanese New Wave. Set in 1960s Taipei, it follows Xiao Si’r, a teenager navigating a world of street gangs, disillusioned youth, and the lingering shadow of the Chinese Civil War. Yang meticulously reconstructs a volatile era, exploring themes of innocence lost, identity, and the tragic consequences of societal pressures. It’s a complex, immersive experience that reveals the profound beauty and heartbreak of adolescence.
- Themes: Coming-of-age, urban decay, political turmoil, family, identity.
- Watch if you like: Grand narratives, historical dramas, psychologically rich character studies.
2. Yi Yi (一一, 2000) 👨👩👧👦🤔💭
- Director: Edward Yang
- Why it’s a Must-See: Edward Yang’s final film is a tender, insightful, and profoundly moving exploration of modern urban life through the eyes of the Jian family in Taipei. It beautifully captures the ordinary struggles, joys, and existential questions faced by three generations. From the father’s mid-life crisis to the daughter’s first love and the son’s philosophical ponderings, Yi Yi reminds us to cherish every moment and see the world anew. It’s a true masterpiece that resonates with universal human experiences.
- Themes: Family dynamics, existentialism, mid-life crisis, urban isolation, the meaning of life.
- Watch if you like: Slice-of-life dramas, deeply human stories, films that make you reflect on your own life.
3. A City of Sadness (悲情城市, 1989) 🕰️📜😢
- Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien
- Why it’s a Must-See: The first Taiwanese film to win the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, this film is a landmark of Taiwanese cinema. It bravely confronts a previously taboo subject: the “White Terror” period following the 228 Incident of 1947, when the Kuomintang government brutally suppressed dissent. Through the lens of the Lin family, we witness the devastating impact of political oppression on ordinary lives. Hou’s signature long takes and painterly cinematography create an immersive, melancholic atmosphere.
- Themes: Historical trauma, political oppression, family resilience, silence, memory.
- Watch if you like: Historical epics, politically charged dramas, slow-cinema masterpieces.
4. The Puppetmaster (戲夢人生, 1993) 🎭🎨✨
- Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien
- Why it’s a Must-See: Another majestic work from Hou Hsiao-Hsien, this film is a semi-biographical portrayal of Li Tian-lu, a renowned Taiwanese puppet master, covering his life from 1909 to 1945 during the Japanese occupation. Blending documentary footage, fictionalized scenes, and traditional puppet show performances, it’s a breathtaking meditation on history, memory, and the art of storytelling. Visually stunning and deeply culturally resonant.
- Themes: Cultural heritage, Japanese occupation, memory, performance art, tradition vs. modernity.
- Watch if you like: Biographical dramas, films with unique narrative structures, visually rich historical pieces.
5. Eat Drink Man Woman (飲食男女, 1994) 🍜❤️👨👩👧👦
- Director: Ang Lee
- Why it’s a Must-See: Before his Hollywood blockbusters, Ang Lee charmed the world with this delightful and heartfelt family drama. Master chef Mr. Chu and his three adult daughters navigate love, tradition, and unspoken desires around their weekly elaborate Sunday dinner. Food becomes a powerful metaphor for communication, love, and cultural heritage. It’s a warm, witty, and universally relatable story about family bonds and the changing times.
- Themes: Family relationships, communication, love, tradition, culinary arts, generational gaps.
- Watch if you like: Feel-good dramas, films about food, character-driven narratives with a touch of humor.
6. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (臥虎藏龍, 2000) 🐉🥋✨
- Director: Ang Lee
- Why it’s a Must-See: A global phenomenon that broke barriers for Asian cinema, winning four Academy Awards including Best Foreign Language Film. This wuxia masterpiece blends breathtaking martial arts choreography with a poignant story of love, duty, and freedom in Qing Dynasty China. Ang Lee seamlessly fuses traditional action with deep philosophical questions and rich character development, making it accessible and captivating to a worldwide audience.
- Themes: Wuxia (martial arts chivalry), forbidden love, gender roles, freedom vs. duty, spiritual journeys.
- Watch if you like: Action-packed epics, romantic dramas, visually stunning martial arts films.
7. Vive L’Amour (愛情萬歲, 1994) 🌃💔🚶♀️
- Director: Tsai Ming-Liang
- Why it’s a Must-See: Tsai Ming-Liang is known for his minimalist, contemplative, and often melancholic style, and Vive L’Amour is perhaps his most acclaimed work. It follows three lonely individuals who unknowingly share an empty apartment in Taipei. With minimal dialogue, the film explores themes of urban alienation, longing, and the search for human connection. Its famous final shot is a powerful and unforgettable moment of raw emotion.
- Themes: Urban alienation, loneliness, desire, unspoken emotions, modern existentialism.
- Watch if you like: Arthouse cinema, slow-burn dramas, films that prioritize mood and atmosphere over plot.
Contemporary Gems: Fresh Voices and Diverse Stories 🌈🚀
Taiwanese cinema continues to evolve, with new directors exploring a wider range of genres and themes, from heartwarming romances to gripping thrillers and insightful social commentaries.
8. You Are the Apple of My Eye (那些年，我們一起追的女孩, 2011) ❤️🏫🤣
- Director: Giddens Ko
- Why it’s a Must-See: This massively popular romantic comedy-drama captured the hearts of audiences across Asia. Based on the director’s semi-autobiographical novel, it’s a nostalgic and hilarious coming-of-age story about a group of mischievous high school boys and the smart, beautiful girl they all secretly adore. It perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet memories of first love, friendship, and the awkwardness of youth.
- Themes: First love, friendship, nostalgia, coming-of-age, high school life.
- Watch if you like: Romantic comedies, nostalgic slice-of-life dramas, films about growing up.
9. Dear Ex (誰先愛上他的, 2018) 🏳️🌈🎭🏡
- Directors: Hsu Chih-yen, Mag Hsu
- Why it’s a Must-See: A poignant and surprisingly funny drama that tackles complex themes of grief, family, and LGBTQ+ issues with sensitivity and wit. A recently widowed woman discovers her late husband named his male lover as the beneficiary of his life insurance. What follows is a messy, emotional, and often darkly comedic journey of two “families” grappling with loss, prejudice, and unexpected bonds. It’s a fresh, honest, and deeply moving film.
- Themes: LGBTQ+ rights, grief, family, prejudice, love, forgiveness.
- Watch if you like: Dramedies, films with strong emotional performances, stories that challenge traditional family structures.
10. Detention (返校, 2019) 👻😱📚
- Director: John Hsu
- Why it’s a Must-See: Based on the wildly popular horror video game, Detention became a box office sensation in Taiwan. Set during the White Terror period (similar to A City of Sadness), it blends psychological horror with historical allegory. Two students find themselves trapped in their high school, a place now haunted by malevolent spirits and the ghosts of political oppression. It’s a chilling and visually striking film that serves as a powerful metaphor for Taiwan’s suppressed past.
- Themes: Political oppression, historical trauma, horror, memory, resistance.
- Watch if you like: Atmospheric horror, psychological thrillers, films with social commentary.
Why Dive into Taiwanese Cinema? 🤔🎬✨
- Emotional Resonance: Taiwanese films excel at exploring the nuances of human emotion. Whether it’s the quiet despair, the blossoming of first love, or the complexities of family ties, these films often evoke deep feelings without resorting to melodrama.
- Unique Storytelling: From the deliberate pace of the New Wave masters to the innovative narratives of contemporary directors, Taiwanese cinema offers diverse storytelling approaches that challenge and engage.
- Visual Poetry: Many Taiwanese films are visually stunning, with directors using cinematography to create a powerful sense of place and mood. You’ll often find breathtaking landscapes and meticulously composed shots.
- Cultural Insight: Explore Taiwan’s rich history, diverse cultures (including indigenous voices), and evolving societal norms. These films offer a window into a vibrant and complex nation.
- Beyond the Mainstream: Discover a cinematic tradition that prioritizes artistic integrity and genuine human experience over commercial appeal, often leading to profoundly rewarding viewing.
So, there you have it! A starting point for your incredible journey into the heart of Taiwanese cinema. Each film on this list offers a unique and unforgettable experience, promising to enrich your understanding of film and the human condition. Happy watching! 🍿🇹🇼💖 G