Key figure in the rise of the Taiwanese New Wave. Hou's films are subtle and homely, finding beauty in the mundane and capturing it with finesse. If you're looking to crack Taiwanese cinema, Hou's oeuvre is the place to start.
Movies
Hou treats his subject with respect, just as he grants his characters the right amount of credibility. The result is a mesmerizing look into the life of a girl searching for her true identity.
The acting is very natural, Hou's camera is delicate and loving and the score is spot on. Three Times is a beautiful film, casting its view on the different aspects of love and romance.
Café Lumière held up pretty well, which isn't even that surprising knowing its appeal lies in the mundane.
10+10
Hou's deliberately slow pacing is nice, and there are some impressive scenes here. But overall, it didn't feel quite as special as it used to. I watched this film early on in my quest to see more Asian cinema, 30 years later it's all a little too familiar. And some lesser choices cost the film. The performances are strong though and Hou's transportation scenes are as impressive as ever. The opening scene on the train is just magical. The cinematography is pleasant but something I've grown accustomed to, the soundtrack is a little different (rock/metal influences) but unfitting. I still enjoyed watching this again, but the film lost some of its shine along the way.Read all
Chacun Son Cinéma
