Taiwanese Movies
May or may not contain spoilers. You have been warned!
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1. Without You
Taiwanese Special - 2020, 2 episodes
It's amazingly shot and has a lot of symbolism. I won't spoil anything. All I'll say is that I've seen it several times and I'm still trying to figure it out. It's mesmerizing and haunting.
Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/X9aLCWlshaM
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2. Your Name Engraved Herein
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
This was visceral and raw, which I did expect. However, I did not realize just to what extent it would be. I don't recommend this to most people due to its sensitive content, however, I found it very impactful and worthwhile a watch.
Despite its many dark moments (which isn't a negative) it managed to incorporate some instances of comedy and a few moments of peacefulness to get you through it.
Would I rewatch it? I think maybe I would at least one more time so I could sort out some layered pieces of dialogue and instances of double-meanings and/or deceit. Beyond that, I'm not sure.Can be found on Netflix
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3. We Are Gamily
Taiwanese Movie - 2017
It dealt with the situation in a funny way and managed to keep a pretty light tone throughout.
Family should support you.
If their excuse is that they're scared about society not supporting/accepting you, then they should do it.Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/3EuJ5uS_oLU
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4. The Substitute
Taiwanese Movie - 2017
This was pretty good. The chemistry, motivations, and acting really sold it. The actual beats of the story didn't fit at times. It was the characters that truly carried it.
Can be found on GagaOOLala
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5. Secrets in the Hot Spring
Taiwanese Movie - 2018
This was SO fun and funny! And the Gay undertones and overall Queer vibes only added to it.
Can be found on Netflix
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6. The Ghost and I Becoming Family
Taiwanese Movie - 2022
This was an odd watch for sure, with humor that was often overly ridiculous and crude, but it eventually grew on me in a way, even though it wouldn't normally be my style.
For an off-the-wall watch with some creativity, I say, why not give it a try?Can be found on Netflix
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7. Dear Tenant
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
This was a difficult watch. Going into it I knew it had a sad ending. Still hurt anyway :(
Can be found on GagaOOLala or AppleTV
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8. Hijra in Between
Taiwanese Movie - 2018
Note: I will be using she/her/they interchangeably for Wan/Liu Ting, the main lead.
Here's the thing: the acting, conflicts, and cuts are excellent. However, the ending is abrupt, to say the least (I felt like 30 more minutes were missing), and if they wanted to be bold with telling the story of an Intersex lead, they should have been detailed and consistent as well.
Was the surgery medically necessary? Because otherwise, if Wan really didn't want to have it, why did she? And even if it was medically necessary if Wan still wanted to present/identify as a woman, why didn't she? Does Liu Ting accept himself presenting and being perceived as a man now or not (he initially seems to be comfortable with himself but then goes back and forth)? With the movie not willing to go deeper and explain, I struggle to take it as a serious piece and even question if they know what they're talking about.
And if they wanted to properly delve into what it's like for the people who knew someone before transitioning now getting to know/accept them afterward (and deal with their romantic feelings), they desperately needed to clarify WHO the lead is/wants to be.
I'm going to assume they meant well, but they really could have done better.
Can be found on Rakuten Viki -
9. U Loves You
Taiwanese Movie - 2021
Honestly, I'm a bit puzzled. It's intentionally erotic but also trippy to a confusing point. But, I almost don't mind it.
Can be found on GagaOOLala
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10. Pair of Love
Taiwanese Movie - 2010
A pretty good short film. It was quiet and soothing the majority of the time and the characters were mature in their thinking. I enjoyed it for the most part.
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11. Light
Taiwanese Movie - 2021
Not as good as Your Name Engraved Herein and some steps down in intenseness but intense nonetheless. Overall, it was alright. One moment made me think, "What the hell?!" though.
Can be found on GagaOOLala
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12. The Immeasurable
Taiwanese Movie - 2021
They managed to create chemistry between them quickly, but I would have liked to have had more detail about the protest and a more built-up ending. Otherwise, it was still a quality short film.
Can be found on GagaOOLala
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13. Skip School
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
This was cute :)
Link to watch it: https://youtu.be/r58chP6vPb0 -
14. 5 Lessons in Happiness: Homebound
Taiwanese Movie - 2020
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15. That Day, on the Beach
Taiwanese Movie - 1983
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16. Secret
Taiwanese Movie - 2007
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17. Make Up
Taiwanese Movie - 2011
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18. Our Times
Taiwanese Movie - 2015
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19. Wedding
Taiwanese Movie - 2023
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20. Who'll Stop the Rain
Taiwanese Movie - 2023
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21. A Balloon's Landing
Taiwanese Movie - 2024
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22. The Time of Huannan
Taiwanese Movie - 2023