Taiwanese cinema has a special place in the hearts of many, especially when it comes to the enchanting world of youth and school romance films. These movies are a delightful blend of heartfelt emotions, beautiful cinematography, and stories that resonate with universal themes of first love, friendship, self-discovery, and growing up. If you’re new to the wonderful world of Taiwanese films, there’s no better place to start than with these pure, often bittersweet, gems.
Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with these iconic tales from the island of Taiwan! 🇹🇼💖
Why Taiwanese Youth Films Are So Special ✨
Before diving into our top 10 list, let’s understand what makes Taiwanese youth films so captivating:
- Nostalgia Factor 🕰️: Many of these films are set in past decades (especially the 90s or early 2000s), invoking a powerful sense of nostalgia for simpler times, flip phones, and handwritten notes.
- Relatable Themes 💖: Whether it’s the awkwardness of a first crush, the pangs of unrequited love, the joy of friendship, or the challenges of finding your path, these movies tackle universal experiences with sincerity.
- Visual Storytelling 🏞️: From bustling night markets to serene school hallways, and the stunning natural landscapes, Taiwanese films often feature beautiful cinematography that captures the essence of youth and Taiwan itself.
- Melodies that Linger 🎶: Music plays a crucial role, with soundtracks often featuring poignant ballads or upbeat pop songs that become just as memorable as the films themselves.
- Authentic Vibes ✨: There’s an honest, unpretentious quality to these stories that makes them feel incredibly real and deeply touching.
Your Must-Watch List: Top 10 Taiwanese Youth & School Romance Films 🎬🍿
Here are our hand-picked top 10 films that are perfect for Taiwanese cinema newbies, offering a fantastic entry point into this charming genre.
1. You Are the Apple of My Eye (那些年，我們一起追的女孩)
- Year: 2011
- Key Cast: Ko Chen-tung (柯震東), Michelle Chen (陳妍希)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: This is arguably the quintessential Taiwanese youth romance film that took Asia by storm! 🍎😭 Based on director Giddens Ko’s own semi-autobiographical novel, it tells the bittersweet story of Ko Ching-teng, a mischievous high school student, and Shen Chia-yi, the academically brilliant and popular girl he’s infatuated with. It’s a raw, honest look at first love, friendship, and the painful beauty of growing up and growing apart. Get your tissues ready!
2. Our Times (我的少女時代)
- Year: 2015
- Key Cast: Vivian Sung (宋芸樺), Darren Wang (王大陸), Dino Lee (李玉璽)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: Often called the female answer to “You Are the Apple of My Eye,” “Our Times” is a vibrant, nostalgic trip back to the 1990s. 🤩🖊️ It follows Lin Zhen-xin, an ordinary high school girl who finds herself in an unlikely alliance with the school’s bad boy, Xu Tai-yu, to win over their respective crushes. Filled with humor, heart, and pure 90s charm (think pop stars, rollerblades, and hand-written letters), it’s a delightful tale of self-discovery and unexpected romance.
3. Secret (不能說的秘密)
- Year: 2007
- Key Cast: Jay Chou (周杰倫), Gwei Lun-mei (桂綸鎂)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: Directed by and starring pop superstar Jay Chou, “Secret” is more than just a romance; it’s a beautifully crafted mystery with elements of fantasy and time travel. 🎹🕰️ A talented piano student transfers to a new school and is drawn to a mysterious girl who plays an enchanting melody. The film is visually stunning, boasts an incredible soundtrack (naturally, from Jay Chou!), and has a twist that will leave you absolutely breathless.
4. Hear Me (聽說)
- Year: 2009
- Key Cast: Eddie Peng (彭于晏), Ivy Chen (陳意涵)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: This quietly powerful film tells a unique love story that primarily unfolds without spoken words. 🤫🏊♀️ Tian Kuo (Eddie Peng) falls for Yang Yang (Ivy Chen), a girl who works hard to support her hearing-impaired sister, a competitive swimmer. Believing both sisters are deaf, Tian Kuo learns sign language to communicate with Yang Yang. It’s a gentle, charming, and incredibly heartwarming film about connection, misunderstanding, and love that transcends communication barriers.
5. The Blue Gate Crossing (藍色大門)
- Year: 2002
- Key Cast: Chen Bolin (陳柏霖), Gwei Lun-mei (桂綸鎂), Tony Yang (楊祐寧)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: A groundbreaking and influential film, “The Blue Gate Crossing” explores themes of first love, friendship, and self-discovery with a delicate touch. 🦋🛹 It follows the complex relationship between two high school girls, Meng Kerou and Lin Yuezhen, and a boy, Zhang Shihao, who is attracted to Meng Kerou. The film is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of adolescent confusion and budding identities, particularly its subtle exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, making it a tender and thoughtful watch.
6. Café. Waiting. Love. (等一個人咖啡)
- Year: 2014
- Key Cast: Vivian Sung (宋芸樺), Megan Lai (賴雅妍), Bruce (布魯斯)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: Another adaptation of Giddens Ko’s work, this film takes a more whimsical and comedic approach. ☕️✨ It centers around Li Si-ying, a college student who works at a quirky coffee shop managed by a mysterious “Auntie.” She soon gets entangled with a cast of eccentric characters, including a legendary cafe regular and a “prince” who can control vegetables. It’s full of magical realism, delightful humor, and a heartwarming romance that makes you believe in fate.
7. At Cafe 6 (六弄咖啡館)
- Year: 2016
- Key Cast: Dong Zijian (董子健), Cherry Ngan (顏卓靈), Austin Lin (林柏宏)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: Similar in tone to “You Are the Apple of My Eye” and “Our Times,” “At Cafe 6” follows a group of high school friends navigating love, friendship, and the challenges that arise when they head to different universities. 🛣️🫂 Based on a popular novel, it explores the joys and pains of young love, the importance of friendships, and the bittersweet reality of growing up and growing apart. It’s a touching narrative about holding onto what truly matters.
8. Take Me to the Moon (帶我去月球)
- Year: 2017
- Key Cast: Jasper Liu (劉以豪), Vivian Sung (宋芸樺)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: Inspired by the songs of Taiwanese pop icon Chang Yu-sheng, this film is a poignant ode to youth, dreams, and the bittersweet reality of life. 🎸🚀 It follows a man who, after his high school crush (and bandmate) dies in a tragic accident, gets a chance to travel back in time to prevent the tragedy. It’s a beautiful story about friendship, missed opportunities, and the power of chasing your dreams, all set to a fantastic soundtrack.
9. My Best Friend’s Breakfast (我吃了那男孩一整年的早餐)
- Year: 2022
- Key Cast: Eric Chou (周興哲), Moon Lee (李沐)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: A more recent addition to the genre, this film offers a fresh and wholesome take on high school romance. 🍳💌 It follows the story of a girl who, after an accidental text exchange, starts receiving breakfast deliveries from a mysterious boy. Based on a true story shared online, it’s a lighthearted, charming, and endearing film about finding love in unexpected places and the simple joys of youth.
10. Fall in Love at First Kiss (一吻定情)
- Year: 2019
- Key Cast: Darren Wang (王大陸), Lin Yun (林允)
- Why it’s a Must-Watch: This live-action adaptation of the beloved Japanese manga “Itazura na Kiss” (which also inspired “Playful Kiss” and “It Started with a Kiss”) is pure, unadulterated rom-com fun! 💋🏫 It tells the classic story of Xiang Qin, a clumsy, optimistic high school girl who falls head over heels for the school’s genius, Jiang Zhishu. Expect lots of laughs, heartwarming moments, and the iconic “smart guy, clueless girl” dynamic that fans adore.
Tips for New Viewers 🎬🍿😭
- Subtitles are Your Friends: Don’t hesitate to use subtitles! Most of these films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, or YouTube with official subtitles.
- Grab Some Snacks: Popcorn, Taiwanese pineapple cakes, or a bubble tea will enhance your viewing experience! 🍍🥤
- Keep Tissues Handy: Many of these films, while beautiful, can be quite emotional. Prepare for happy tears and sad tears alike!
- Watch with an Open Heart: These films often evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and longing. Let yourself be swept away by the pure emotions on screen.
Conclusion 💖🗺️
Taiwanese youth and school romance films offer a unique blend of heartwarming stories, genuine emotions, and beautiful cinematography that can transport you back to your own formative years. This list is just the beginning of your journey into the wonderful world of Taiwanese cinema. Each film provides a window into a specific facet of youth, love, and life on the island.
So, pick one from the list, dim the lights, and embark on a beautiful cinematic adventure! Which one will you watch first? Let us know your favorites in the comments! 👇 G