Thursday, 28 December 2017

Movie 64 - Yi Yi

Yi Yi (2000)
by
Edward Yang

Seen and written: 28 December 2017


This is the first film of Edward Yang that I am watching but it sure has piqued my interest in his films as well as new-wave Taiwanese films. The film follows a family in Taipei, from a grandmother to an 8 year old boy. As the title says ('Yi' is one in Chinese), the movie shows us people as individual units in the urban world, each living his/her life, fighting own struggles, finding their joys, and trying to make meaning around things happening. The director takes his leisurely pace with the movie, but the flow is seamless with equally lifelike and seamless performances from the lead cast. As humans, when we set our gaze upon something, other things are out of our vison - this simple, yet powerful thought is narrated to us beautifully from the perspective of Yang-Yang, the kid. Edward Yang also holds true to this thought cinematically, with numerous, beautiful shots along mirrors and glass window panes, showing us two sides/two worlds at the same time. 'Yi Yi' is a masterpiece, and becomes one in silence and simplicity.

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