I put this on because I thought it would be a kick-ass movie to celebrate my favorite season, summertime. But it's actually 4 hours of ching-chongs running around looking sad. There's not even one surfing scene!

>>212313211 (OP)
Welcome to Taiwanese cinema.

>>212313211 (OP)
Good bait, it's a top 5 film of all time.

>>212313211 (OP)
very based and insightful review, can't wait for more

One of the best movies I've ever seen. criterion did a truly amazing job with its restoration. And incredible that such a long coming of age epic ends with what was inspired by a real event

i keep hearing how great it is, but i've never heard why it's great

>>212315811
>>212316009
I'm interested to hear why you think this. It's like a Scorsese coming of age gangster flick but without the energy or urgency you'd expect. Yang's languid, depressed pacing doesn't help a film like this. It has no right being 4 hours long and the performances are wooden for the most part. I don't see the appeal.

>>212316394
Ok, let me think.
I can see some light similarities between an Scorsese movie and ABSD, but Yang mogs because of the following:
Cinematography
Atmosphere
Emotional gravitas
Pacing
Plot

His films are not seeking to be high octane or even thrilling in the least; in fact, he's wanting you to absorb the tragedy and loss of innocence and leave you feeling drained at the end. Watch Yi Yi now.

I watch this movie every 3 to 4 years. I marathon it non stop with no phones and distractions. It makes the viewing experience more special. The pacing really feels incredible, it really does feel like your spending the whole summer with them.

>>212316394
I think it's the perfect coming of age epic, I think its beautifully directed, I think the leads are good and engaging, it's all very natural and restrained but a lot is going on with the kids and all the characters and circumstances around them. I really liked the deliberate pace and I did not feel it was too long at all

I don't know if it's the kind of movie I'll rewatch, but I was enthralled the whole time when watching it, it's just like you're kind of experiencing their trials and troubles in almost real time. It feels perfectly written/paced /edited to me