Dreaming of bustling night markets, serene temples, and stunning mountainscapes? 🇹🇼 Before your plane touches down, why not dive deep into Taiwan’s heart and soul through its incredible cinema? Watching films set in your destination is one of the best ways to get a feel for the local culture, history, and everyday life. You’ll recognize landmarks, understand nuances, and even pick up on social dynamics before you arrive!
Based on critical acclaim, popular appeal, and their incredible ability to capture the authentic atmosphere of Taiwan, here are seven must-watch movies that will transport you straight to the island, preparing you perfectly for your adventure. So, grab some bubble tea 🥤, get comfy, and let these Taiwanese treasures transport you!
1. City of Sadness (悲情城市, Bēiqíng Chéngshì)
- Director: Hou Hsiao-Hsien
- Year: 1989
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: This Golden Lion winner at the Venice Film Festival is a poignant journey back to a pivotal moment in Taiwanese history: the “White Terror” period following World War II. While it’s a historical drama, its real magic lies in its atmosphere. Filmed beautifully in and around Jiufen and Jinguashi, the film’s misty, evocative visuals perfectly capture the melancholic beauty of these mountain towns.
- What You’ll See & Feel: You’ll witness the struggles of a family during a time of immense political upheaval, experiencing the quiet resilience of the Taiwanese people. The stunning shots of Jiufen’s narrow alleys, traditional houses, and the surrounding misty mountains will make you feel like you’re already there, breathing in the past. It’s a somber but deeply rewarding watch that adds layers to any visit to Jiufen.
- Atmosphere Rating: 🌫️📜 Deeply historical, melancholic, visually stunning.
2. Yi Yi (一一, Yī Yī – A One and a Two)
- Director: Edward Yang
- Year: 2000
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: Hailed as a masterpiece of modern cinema, Yi Yi offers an intimate, sprawling look at contemporary Taipei life through the eyes of the Jian family. It delves into the everyday joys, frustrations, and existential questions of urban dwellers across three generations.
- What You’ll See & Feel: From the hustle of business meetings to quiet family dinners in their Taipei apartment, you’ll recognize the rhythm of the city and the nuances of its people. The film brilliantly captures the contrast between old traditions and modern aspirations, showcasing Taipei’s vibrant yet sometimes isolating urban landscape. It’s a masterclass in human observation, making the city feel like a living, breathing character.
- Atmosphere Rating: 🏙️👨👩👧👦 Contemporary urban life, introspective, family-centric.
3. Eat Drink Man Woman (飲食男女, Yǐnshí Nánnǚ)
- Director: Ang Lee
- Year: 1994
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: Prepare your taste buds! 🍜 Ang Lee’s delightful film is a feast for the senses, centering around a master chef, Mr. Chu, and his three daughters in Taipei. Food is not just sustenance here; it’s a language, a tradition, and a way to express love and negotiate relationships.
- What You’ll See & Feel: The kitchen scenes are legendary, showcasing the meticulous art of Taiwanese home cooking and grand banquets. You’ll get an authentic glimpse into Taiwanese family dynamics, the generational gap between traditional values and modern desires, and of course, mouth-watering dishes that will make you hungry for Taiwan’s culinary scene. It’s warm, funny, and deeply relatable.
- Atmosphere Rating: 👨🍳🍲 Culinary paradise, warm family drama, cultural traditions.
4. You Are the Apple of My Eye (那些年，我們一起追的女孩, Nà Xiē Nián, Wǒmen Yīqǐ Zhuī De Nǚhái)
- Director: Giddens Ko
- Year: 2011
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: A vibrant, nostalgic trip back to Taiwanese high school life and first love. This massively popular film follows a group of mischievous boys and the bright, studious girl they all admire. It perfectly encapsulates the innocent yet awkward years of youth.
- What You’ll See & Feel: If you’re curious about local youth culture, school uniforms, and the bittersweet pangs of growing up in Taiwan, this is your film. You’ll recognize the uniforms, the schoolyard antics, and the vibrant energy of Taiwanese teenagers. It’s set in Changhua, offering a glimpse beyond just Taipei. It’s funny, heartwarming, and will likely evoke your own high school memories.
- Atmosphere Rating: 🍎🏫 Youthful nostalgia, high school romance, coming-of-age.
5. Cape No. 7 (海角七號, Hǎijiǎo Qī Hào)
- Director: Wei Te-sheng
- Year: 2008
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: This heartwarming, feel-good movie became a massive sleeper hit in Taiwan and revitalized the local film industry. It takes you away from the big cities to the laid-back, beautiful southern town of Kenting, where an unlikely band comes together for a music festival.
- What You’ll See & Feel: You’ll get a taste of indigenous culture, the struggles and dreams of small-town folk, and the power of music to bring people together. The film beautifully showcases Kenting’s stunning beaches, scenic coastlines, and laid-back vibe, offering a wonderful contrast to the urban settings of other films. It’s quirky, optimistic, and full of local charm.
- Atmosphere Rating: 🎸🏖️ Southern Taiwan charm, music, small-town life, scenic beauty.
6. A Sun (陽光普照, Yángguāng Pǔzhào)
- Director: Chung Mong-hong
- Year: 2019
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: A more recent masterpiece that plunges into the complexities of a working-class family in modern Taiwan after their youngest son is sent to a juvenile detention center. While darker and more intense than some on this list, it offers a raw, unfiltered look at life, parental love, and the consequences of choices.
- What You’ll See & Feel: This film captures a certain gritty reality of everyday Taiwanese life – the back alleys, the struggle for survival, and the profound emotional bonds within families. It gives you a deeper understanding of contemporary social dynamics and the unspoken burdens many carry. It’s a powerful drama that will leave a lasting impression.
- Atmosphere Rating: ☀️💔 Raw reality, complex family dynamics, contemporary struggles.
7. Dear Ex (誰先愛上他的, Shéi Xiān Ài Shàng Tā De)
- Director: Mag Hsu & Hsu Chih-yen
- Year: 2018
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: A fresh, emotionally resonant film that explores modern family dynamics, LGBTQ+ themes, and the messy beauty of love and grief. After a man dies, his wife and son discover he named his male lover as the beneficiary of his life insurance.
- What You’ll See & Feel: Set primarily in Taipei, this film provides a contemporary view of the city’s apartments, streets, and evolving social landscape. It’s a testament to Taiwan’s progressive values and its ability to tell deeply human stories that resonate universally while maintaining a distinct local flavor. The witty dialogue and heartfelt performances make it a compelling watch.
- Atmosphere Rating: 🏳️🌈🏠 Modern Taipei, progressive themes, emotional honesty.
Your Cinematic Passport Awaits!
From historical epics to modern family dramas, these seven films offer a cinematic passport to the heart of Taiwan. Each one is a piece of the puzzle, helping you stitch together a richer understanding of the island’s culture, history, and people. You’ll arrive not just as a tourist, but as someone who has already begun to connect with Taiwan’s unique spirit.
So, which one will you watch first? Let the cinematic journey begin before your real adventure even starts! Safe travels and enjoy Taiwan! ✈️🇹🇼 G