In case you missed its first instalment, Reel Asian’s Retro Summer Series continues at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Thursday, August 25th. In honour of the festival’s 20th anniversary, they are celebrating the achievements of Asian filmmakers by bringing back fan favourites, chosen by festival audiences.
The two throwback films this week are:
Thurs, Aug 25, 6:00 pm
AU REVOIR TAIPEI
Director Arvin Chen, Taiwan 2010
Synopsis: This quirky romantic comedy is Taiwanese-American Arvin Chen’s directorial feature debut. A box office success in Taiwan, the film also won the NETPAC Prize at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2010. Au Revoir Taipei was selected as Reel Asian’s closing night film in 2010. Chen is an Chinese American filmmaker who grew up in San Francisco and is now based in Taiwan. After graduating from UC Berkeley, he apprenticed with the late Edward Yang (Yi Yi).
A romantic-comedy mixed with a crime story, in which both complement each other quite well. Chen creates a film that has interesting stories that audiences want to keep following. An excellent first film with a great cast too.
Thurs,Aug 25, 8:45 pm
BETTER LUCK TOMORROW
Director Justin Lin, USA 2002
Synopsis: Directed by Justin Lin before his success with the Fast & Furious and Star Trek franchises, this film launched the filmmaker’s career and will forever be a staple in Asian cinema. This film was famously defended by the great Roger Ebert when he called out a rude audience member at Sundance, “This film has the right to be about this people, and Asian-Americans have the right to be whatever the hell they want to be. They do not have to ‘represent’ their people.”
A film that is not shy to show the dark side of growing up in the USA. Unapologetic yet poignant in its storytelling, Lin makes the audience care for the characters in this film, regardless of their faults. With a great cast, as well, this is a memorable feature film. Certainly one of my faves by Lin.
Be sure not to miss out seeing these films again, or for the first time this week. Tickets for each screening are $12. For more information, and for advance tickets, go here.
