
Super Citizen
dir. Wan Jen · 1985
Life is a journey through hardship and connection, where the search for loved ones reveals the complexities of human existence.
Plot
A young man from the country comes to Taipei to search for his sister from whom he has heard nothing during the past year. Beginning in a tenement slum, the young man travels through the city's lowlife, where street hustlers sell fake Rolex watches and other contraband, gangs fight each other, and the ubiquitous sex businesses ply their trade. The young man befriends a rich teenage girl and a young prostitute as he and a hustler who knew his sister search for her through a trail of clues leading to restaurants, dance joints, and brothels.
Why watch
"Super Citizen" intricately weaves the tale of a young man's quest for belonging amidst the harsh realities of urban Taipei, capturing the essence of isolation and fleeting human connections in a gritty, evocative landscape. This poignant drama invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of familial ties and the immigrant experience, making it a must-see for those drawn to profound character studies.
Talking points
- the impact of urban life on personal relationships
- the search for identity in a foreign environment
- the complexities of familial bonds
- and the moral dilemmas faced by marginalized individuals