Last weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting London’s Prince Charles cinema, which is “the last of the independents still operating in London’s cine-famous ‘West End’” as the cinema’s introduction shown in the website.
In this cinema, I watched a Taiwanese film “Yiyi: A One and a Two” directed by the renowned filmmaker, Mr. Edward Yang. Although Yiyi (2000) is often regarded as one of the greatest Taiwanese films ever made, it was not officially released to the public in Taiwan until 2017. “Yiyi: A One and a Two” itself was a cinematic masterpiece, a reflection of Mr. Edward Yang’s directorial genius. The film delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, navigating the intricacies of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the passage of time. With its meticulously crafted storytelling, nuanced performances, and thought-provoking themes, “A One and a Two” resonated with audiences, eliciting a range of emotions and fostering a sense of empathy.
With a runtime of 173 minutes, the film aligns itself with the hallmarks of Taiwanese literary films. It adopts a deliberate and unhurried pace to tell the oridinary individuals’ stories. Even though, every line and fragment in the movie carries a deep significance that resonates with me, evoking a sense of familiarity and emotional connection. Through this, I grasp the essence of the line in the film that states, “You may not see it on your own, so I will reveal it to you.”
The film maintains its authenticity by utilizing the original soundtrack, featuring a blend of Mandarin and the local Taiwanese dialect. English subtitles were thoughtfully provided, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the language and cultural nuances of the film. And what struck me was the remarkable diversity among the audience, with a significant number of non-Asian viewers in attendance. As the film reached its conclusion, the audience erupted in applause—a sight distinct from my experiences in China.
Beyond the disparities in culture, language, and individual traits, cinema possesses a remarkable ability to bridge cultural gaps, evoke profound emotions, and ignite insightful dialogues. It stands as a testament to the timeless influence of storytelling, transcending barriers and uniting diverse audiences, regardless of their backgrounds.
