Love in Taipei

This film adaptation of the best-selling novel, "Loveboat, Taipei" is a beautiful personal journey into the heart and soul of a young girl who has her whole life ahead of her but is still trying to find herself. This is the typical story of most 1st generation Asian-Americans caught between the individualistic American Dream and the filial expectations of the Asian Immigrant Dream. As an Asian-American myself, I like that this story is straight-forward and simple without too many frills or manufactured drama (cough, cough, Everything Everywhere All At Once...) because this is our familiar, down-to-earth story that needs to be told.

Who are we when we break out of our comfort zones yet return to our roots, express our individual uniqueness yet honor our communities? This movie gracefully dances its way through these kinds of questions, never arriving or preaching, but always showing and inviting the audience along for the ride.

Meanwhile, the ride through Taipei is gorgeous! The cinematography with gorgeous shots of Taipei both during the day and at night was a highlight for me. It makes me want to get on a plane and travel there right now! My husband attended the "Loveboat" program back in the day and he said he only remembered Taipei being under a lot of construction as the subway system was being built. So he was delighted to see what the city has become through the sweeping scenes as well as the street-level shots.

This movie is worth seeing with the whole family too! It is hard to say that about Hollywood movies these days so I'm so happy to finally see a wholesome, feel-good film that doesn't try too hard to be "edgy" or something it's not just for the shock value. Honestly, all the big Asian movies these days depict Asians as either supernatural kung-fu heroes, loud-mouth comics, or filthy rich elite. This movie is so refreshing without these outlandish caricatures. Finally some down-to-earth characters I can actually relate to! We need more films like this to be made!

These characters were brought to life by outstanding acting from the young cast, headlined by Ross Butler and Ashley Liao. There were no cringy moments due to over-acting. Everyone's performances were so natural and compelling. Overall, the chemistry among the cast was great. They did a fantastic job bringing this story to life. I absolutely loved Ashley Liao as the main character, Ever Wong. She could seriously act out a whole movie with just her expressive eyes. She was just such a natural, magnetic force and we hung on her every move, every glance, every emotion. What a graceful, classy, mature, and talented actress. I'm a fan!

Those who are diehard book fans may be disappointed with how the film deviates from the book. But as a standalone film, it's a win! I've already watched this film twice and can't wait for the sequel!

I actually spoke with the author of Loveboat, Taipei, Abigail Wen, when she was promoting the book years ago. To me, she was living the practical Asian's dream. She worked to become a highly paid lawyer but was able to pursue her writing on the side to great success. All of the upside of a creative outlet without the risk of being a starving artist. In a sense, that was my problem with Love in Taipei. It lacked the tension of risk and felt like a series of events happening to the protagonist, Ever, rather than a cohesive and compelling story.

I knew going in not to expect Everything, Everywhere, All At Once. This is a YA movie based on a YA novel. The screenwriters changed several details and story arcs from the source material. The movie cuts most of the side characters, but both the book and the movie focus on Ever's interactions with Rick, Xavier, and Sophie. I don't think the movie successfully establishes the stakes Ever faces. When the events start to unfold in Taipei, it's difficult to really care. The movie centers on Ever having to choose between two paths: medical school or dance program, Rick or Xavier, etc. I didn't feel like it really mattered which path was taken. The struggle was missing. I don't think the movie does a good job of making us root for Ever. She essentially already has everything: a clear path to medical school, an audition with a dance company, an instant best friend in Sophie, attention from the academic celebrity (Rick), attention from the rich but artistic boy (Xavier). There's a love triangle (actually more like a square) with almost zero drama. There is also something to be said for having some flash. This might have been due to the limitations of the actress, but one can't help thinking "Hmm...probably should just go to med school" when we see her dancing. If the movie showed amazing dance numbers, the audience could feel the pull between two worlds. We're kind of meant to assume she's great at dance but never shown it.

It's been a long time since my last trip to Taiwan, but I didn't feel any pangs of nostalgia when the characters explored the different parts of Taipei. I think it was a missed opportunity to showcase the experience of being in the city.

This is not uncommon with male Asian actors, but my first thought when I saw Rick was "why is this 35 year old man with these college students?" It turns out, he's actually 33, but you get my point.

With most good movies, there are breathtaking highs and devastating lows, and one connects with the emotions of the main character. Love in Taipei felt more like a flatline.

Taipei is my hometown and I am glad this movie exists :) !!

It takes lots of filmmakers' efforts to make a full Asian cast movie happened .. And there are talents from LA and Taiwan both places so I appreciate that ... The movie itself ... Honestly I don't feel excited watching this movie , the storyline is dull.... I think it's a movie for teenagers ....the movies name is "Love in Taipei" .. I feel it neither illustrates "love" or "Taipei" in a good sense .. it's somewhat superficial and not logical ...it has some brief idea about family, friend, affection and culture differences.. but I wouldn't say it shows the excitement of "love" or "Taipei"

Good part about this movie : 1. For anyone who never been to Taipei , it shows some Taipei attractions , buildings and streets for the viewers 2. It shows the Taiwan's art , written language, food presentation 3: it shows the Grand Hotel in Taipei , one of the most symbolic landmark in Taipei and architecture, and it shows inside the hotel .

4. Easy to follow ... really don't need to think much ... 5. Almost like a Disney movie with real actors actress 6. Good cast ; I am glad Ang Lee' son , Mason Lee is in the movie. So do other famous actress in Taiwan I recognize :) My one suggestion is that they could cast some Taiwanese /American YouTubers or comedians who lives in Taiwan in the film ! Because they understand US and Taiwan both culture well , they are mostly bilingual, it would add some fun vibes and attract more viewers . Apparently in this film needs to speak English and some Mandarin.

Not so good part about this movie : 1. Storyline isn't impressive.... it is a story about a girl's pursuit of happiness in her own dreams and romance .... it feels something is missing in the drama .... Not logical , I didn't even feel love in the movie .. It feels plain ... 2. Where is the Taipei MRT ? Metro in Taipei takes huge part of many Taipei people's life... there is none of it in the movie !? Not even a footage of the metro station.. It's like making a movie about New York but not showing the NYC subway!? .. 3. Where are the scooters? It shows too little , scooters are everywhere in Taiwan .

4. Where are the bubble tea shops ? You see more bubble tea shops in America now ... There are even more in Taiwan ! It didn't show anyone was drinking bubble tea ..or not even the tea art .. 5. Where are the 7-11 or family mart ? The convenient stores are everywhere in Taipei and Taiwan. Also the drug stores are everywhere too .. such as Watson's , the girl could go shopping .. it would shows more of the city .. 6. It didn't show the digital ability of Taipei : Taipei is an advanced large city and people use smartphones to do lots of things ..and theUbike .. the QR code getting services ..digital advertisement of a building ... I get this movie desire showing the traditional side of Taiwan's look , yet Taipei has great technology in all phases of life.

7. It didn't show temples .. there are many featured temples in Taipei.. maybe the story didn't need to show any of it yet the spiritual and ritual life is also a big part of Taiwanese life .. 8. It didn't show "lots of people " in Taipei , Taipei is the largest city in Taiwan (relate with not showing the metro ) it gotta be a footage about crowds of Taipei 9. I wish it shows the presidential hall , it's also a landmark of Taipei , and it didn't show the national flag .

10. More life about Taipei is missing ! The fried chicken , game room , catching stuff machines , Taiwanese police officer.. pets.. traffic and street light .. the wardrobe and fashion of Taiwanese ( in the movie they dress very L. A like ...)

Above was my honest reaction after watch the movie , the actress is lovely.. but again the story is the soul of the movie .. I feel it has lots of room to grow ... I respect the original writer and director though , I know they put their heart and soul in this production. I look forward seeing more movie about Taiwan in the future :) with great stories !

Totally perfectly embraces the experience of being sent back to Taipei for the Love Boat! Growing up in LA in a 90% white community I recall this experience so well. The writer/directors shows how cool and beautiful Taipei is and made being Chinese whose parents left Taiwan and came to the US relatable alongside a cute friendship and boy drama with a hunk and an Asian Joe Jonas love triangle super fun. Love that it was carried by an almost all Asian cast!!! Well done and well worth the watch! Could/should be better as a series! Emily in Paris style. Friend/roommate gives me Mindy vibes. So many more beautiful spots and relationships to explore.

It's very cliche, but I didn't really mind. It's a cute movie to spend an afternoon or evening. Don't expect a very strong story. Like I said, it's all very cliche. But it makes you dream... I loved the setting in Tapei. I loved the summer-having-fun-part. I loved the thought of chasing your dreams despite what all others might think.

The dancing and art part was for me also a plus. But that's a personal interest. Some nice dancing shots and seeing some art works makes it for me more interesting to watch.

Don't expect much from the romance... The chemistry between ML and FL wasn't wow, otherwise I would have given a higher rating.