Three Times
dir. Hou Hsiao-hsien · 2005
Love transcends time and circumstance, revealing the enduring nature of human connection.
Feature
Nostalgia & Longing
Mood
Romantic / Contemplative
Look
painterly compositions, naturalistic lighting, meticulous framing
Structure
triptych format, interweaving past and present
Plot
In three separate segments, set respectively in 1966, 1911, and 2005, three love stories unfold between three sets of characters, under three different periods of Taiwanese history and governance.
Why watch
"Three Times" invites viewers on a mesmerizing journey through the intricate tapestry of love across different eras, revealing how history shapes personal connections. With its stunning visual poetry and contemplative storytelling, this film is a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the fleeting essence of human intimacy.
Talking points
- the nature of love across time
- the impact of historical settings on personal relationships
- silence as a narrative device
- the interplay of memory and longing
Cultural context
Taiwanese historycolonialismgenerational traumacultural identity