The Falls

The cinematography here is great, and the actors are good as well. Nice to see some Taiwan culture. The story is quite thin. The movie is too long for what it is. Could have been better with a shorter cut.

Contrary to what the trailer for THE FALLS and the summary of the film posted on the Netflix site suggest, Chung Mong-hong (PARKING) used the current global health crisis not as the main frame of the action , but more like a trigger, for a rich tale of learning and rebirth unfolding over several months. Clearly, these are the cross-portraits of a fighter at the end of the rope, ripe for a healthy change of life, and a capricious young girl, who learns the hard way to become a responsible and generous adult. Along with an empathetic look at mental illness, the script doesn't spare Taiwanese society, exposing some of its flaws with aplomb. Adopting a slow rhythm, at the risk of generating some lengths, the staging is rigorous, cold at the beginning, then gradually warm, while the two protagonists find a certain balance. These are embodied with great nuance and sensitivity by the formidable Alyssa Chia and Gingle Wang.

Pin-wen (Alyssa Chia) got mental health problems during the COVID pandemic. Her daughter Jing (Gingle Wang), who used to have a strained relationship with her, reconciled with her through various events.

The musical score is truly brilliant, particularly towards the end. Some scenes are pretty funny, e.g. The snake scene (including Liu Kuan-ting's special appearance) and the mental hospital scene. Alyssa Chia's performance simple blows everyone's mind. The result is a moving and heartwarming mother/daughter drama and also a dedication to people with mental health problems.

Loved how this slow-burn family drama quickly escalated in intensity after Covid pandemic. Chung Mong-hong tried to destigmatize mental illness into daily situations. Alyssa & Gingle framed every feeling superbly over strained relationship and life adversities.

Mother and daughter relations tested in this stressful difficult times. The divorced father adds a further mix into this whirlpool. The teenage daughter was difficult at first but matures and grows up quickly when her mother fell ill from psychosis.

This is your movie if you're into emotional, family mix and tugging of heartstrings. Check it out if you make it to the last act, you'll feel a pleasant glow in your heart.