Taiwanese cinema offers a profound journey into the human heart, known for its delicate storytelling, stunning cinematography, and ability to explore the depths of human emotion with remarkable subtlety and impact. Unlike the often bombastic narratives of Hollywood, Taiwanese films often find their power in quiet introspection, everyday struggles, and the unspoken bonds between people.
If you’re looking to connect with cinema on a deeper, more emotional level, prepare your tissues and your heart! I’ve delved into the rich tapestry of Taiwanese film to bring you a hand-picked list of 7 masterpieces that are guaranteed to uplift, challenge, and profoundly move your emotional quotient. Get ready to laugh, cry, and reflect!
Why Taiwanese Cinema Resonates So Deeply
Before we dive into the list, let’s briefly touch on why Taiwanese films often have such a powerful emotional effect:
- Emphasis on Everyday Life: Many films focus on ordinary people facing relatable challenges, making their struggles and triumphs feel incredibly authentic.
- Subtle Storytelling: Rather than overt drama, Taiwanese directors often use quiet moments, visual metaphors, and character reactions to convey deep emotions.
- Strong Sense of Place: Taiwan’s unique landscapes, bustling cities, and charming rural areas often become characters themselves, adding to the film’s atmosphere.
- Exploration of Identity & History: Many films grapple with Taiwan’s complex history, cultural identity, and intergenerational relationships, adding layers of poignant reflection.
Now, let’s explore the films that will touch your soul!
Your Emotional Journey: 7 Must-Watch Taiwanese Films
1. Yi Yi (A One and a Two…) (2000) 👨👩👧👦😔💭
- Director: Edward Yang
- Year: 2000
- Synopsis: This cinematic masterpiece offers a profound, sprawling look at the lives of a middle-class Taipei family – the Jian family – over the course of one year. Through the perspectives of various family members, from the introspective father NJ, to his young, philosophical son Yang-Yang, and his struggling wife and daughter, the film explores the universal themes of life, death, love, regret, and the search for meaning in everyday existence.
- Why it touches your EQ: “Yi Yi” is less about grand plot twists and more about the quiet, often unspoken moments that define our lives. It’s a film that allows you to contemplate the beauty and sadness of existence, the passing of time, and the deep connections (and disconnections) within families. You’ll find yourself reflecting on your own life’s journey, making it a truly soul-searching experience. It teaches empathy for the everyday struggles of others.
- Memorable Moment: Yang-Yang’s innocent yet profound observation that “You don’t know what you’ve missed when I’m not here. I can only show them to you when I have taken pictures of them. You only see half of what I see.” This simple line encapsulates the film’s depth and unique perspective.
2. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994) 🍽️❤️👨👩👧👧
- Director: Ang Lee
- Year: 1994
- Synopsis: Master chef Mr. Chu, a widower, prepares elaborate Sunday dinners for his three adult daughters, each grappling with their own personal and professional lives in modern Taipei. As the delicious meals are consumed, secrets are revealed, relationships evolve, and unexpected love blossoms, intertwining the universal themes of family, tradition, and the changing dynamics of love.
- Why it touches your EQ: Ang Lee masterfully uses food as a metaphor for love, communication, and the ties that bind a family. This film is warm, humorous, and deeply moving. It explores the challenges of letting go, finding new purposes, and the complex ways love manifests across generations. You’ll feel the warmth of family, the bittersweet taste of change, and the universal hunger for connection. It reminds us how much unspoken emotion can be shared around a dinner table.
- Memorable Moment: The visually stunning opening sequence where Mr. Chu meticulously prepares the Sunday feast, setting the stage for the emotional richness that follows. Each dish is a work of art, mirroring the intricate lives of the characters.
3. City of Sadness (1989) 😢📜🤝
- Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien
- Year: 1989
- Synopsis: Set in Taiwan from 1945 to 1949, during the chaotic transition from Japanese colonial rule to Kuomintang control, this film follows the Lin family through the turbulent years surrounding the “228 Incident” (February 28th Incident), a brutal government suppression of anti-government protests. It’s a poignant portrayal of a nation’s trauma seen through the eyes of one family, marked by loss, silence, and resilience.
- Why it touches your EQ: “City of Sadness” is a powerful, melancholic, and deeply human historical drama. It explores themes of political oppression, identity, family bonds, and the enduring human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy. While often quiet and contemplative, its emotional impact is profound, leaving you with a sense of the fragility of peace and the importance of remembering history. It evokes deep empathy for the suffering of a nation.
- Memorable Moment: The film’s muted color palette and long, contemplative takes, especially the scenes depicting the aftermath of violence, create an atmosphere of profound sadness and reflection without needing explicit depictions of gore. The silence often speaks volumes.
4. You Are the Apple of My Eye (2011) 🍎💔🎒
- Director: Giddens Ko
- Year: 2011
- Synopsis: This incredibly popular coming-of-age romance follows Ko Ching-teng, a mischievous high school student, and Shen Chia-yi, the diligent and popular girl he has a crush on. Spanning their high school years into their early twenties, the film beautifully captures the awkwardness, sweetness, and inevitable heartbreak of first love and growing up.
- Why it touches your EQ: Get ready for a huge wave of nostalgia and bittersweet emotions! This film perfectly encapsulates the universal experience of first love, unrequited crushes, and the painful yet beautiful process of maturation. It’s funny, charming, and ultimately incredibly poignant, reminding us that some loves are meant to be cherished memories rather than future realities. It will make you smile, sigh, and maybe shed a tear for your own past loves.
- Memorable Moment: The rain scene where Ko Ching-teng braves the downpour to comfort Shen Chia-yi, showing a raw vulnerability that defines their complex relationship. And of course, the emotional wedding scene that brings everything full circle.
5. Our Times (2015) 🤩🎤👯♀️
- Director: Frankie Chen
- Year: 2015
- Synopsis: Another smash-hit romantic comedy that transports you back to the 1990s. Lin Truly, an ordinary high school girl, and Hsu Tai-yu, the school’s notorious bad boy, form an unlikely alliance after discovering their respective crushes are dating each other. Through their clumsy attempts to break up the “perfect” couple, they inadvertently help each other grow and discover true feelings.
- Why it touches your EQ: Similar to “You Are the Apple of My Eye” but with a female protagonist’s perspective, “Our Times” is a heartwarming, hilarious, and genuinely moving journey of self-discovery, friendship, and first love. It’s packed with 90s nostalgia, relatable characters, and a message about being true to yourself. You’ll cheer for Lin Truly’s transformation and feel the flutter of young love, along with the bittersweet pangs of farewell.
- Memorable Moment: The various montages set to iconic 90s Mandopop songs, especially the theme song “Little Happiness” which perfectly captures the film’s emotional core and became an anthem for a generation.
6. Secret (2007) 🎶🕰️❤️
- Director: Jay Chou
- Year: 2007
- Synopsis: A talented piano student, Ye Xianglun (played by Jay Chou), transfers to a new music school and encounters a mysterious girl, Lu Xiaoyu, who plays an enchanting piece of music. Their romance blossoms amidst strange occurrences and a hidden secret tied to a special piano and the school’s history, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
- Why it touches your EQ: This film is a beautiful blend of romance, mystery, and fantasy, all underscored by a gorgeous musical score. It’s a testament to the power of love, the longing for connection, and the bittersweet nature of time. The emotional payoff is immense as the layers of the secret unravel, leaving you with a sense of wonder and profound sadness. It makes you believe in the impossible.
- Memorable Moment: The thrilling “piano battle” scene, showcasing Jay Chou’s musical talent, and the emotional reveal of the “secret” itself, which completely reshapes your understanding of the entire film.
7. Cape No. 7 (2008) 🎸💌🏘️
- Director: Wei Te-sheng
- Year: 2008
- Synopsis: After a failed music career in Taipei, Agu He returns to his remote hometown of Kenting in southern Taiwan, where he reluctantly takes on a job as a postman. His task is to deliver a bundle of undelivered love letters written 60 years ago by a Japanese teacher to his Taiwanese lover. Simultaneously, he’s tasked with forming a band of local misfits to open for a Japanese pop star’s concert, forcing him to confront his past and connect with his community.
- Why it touches your EQ: “Cape No. 7” is a charming, feel-good, and deeply heartwarming film that champions the spirit of community, second chances, and the power of music. It beautifully interweaves two love stories (one past, one present) and showcases the resilience and eccentricities of small-town life. You’ll laugh at the quirky characters, be moved by the rediscovered love letters, and cheer for the underdog band. It’s a genuine pick-me-up!
- Memorable Moment: The band’s hilarious and ultimately moving performances, as they slowly transform from a motley crew of amateurs into a genuine, passionate musical group. The reading of the old love letters provides a continuous emotional thread throughout the film.
Dive Deeper into Taiwanese Cinema!
These seven films are just a glimpse into the vast and emotionally rich world of Taiwanese cinema. Each one offers a unique lens through which to view life, love, and the human condition, promising to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.
So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let these incredible Taiwanese stories wash over you. You might just find your new favorite film, and a deeper connection to the universal emotions that bind us all.
What are your favorite Taiwanese films that have touched your heart? Share them in the comments below! 👇 G