When Cinema Reflects the Times: Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang
dir. Hirokazu Kore-eda · 1993
The experience of being alive is shaped by the passage of time and the societal changes that influence our understanding of ourselves and our world.
Plot
From the 1980s to the 1990s, New Taiwanese Cinema gained international attention for adopting a completely different approach to that of the commercial films which had preceded it. This piece contrasts Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang, two rivals who were the driving force behind New Taiwanese Cinema. The closing of a cinema invites us to reflect on society and the passage of history.
Why watch
"When Cinema Reflects the Times" serves as a poignant meditation on the transformative power of cinema through the lens of two iconic Taiwanese directors. With a contemplative tone and rich historical context, this documentary invites viewers to reflect on art's role in shaping national identity amidst societal change.