Pu bu

7/10.

This film explored themes of mental health amidst the coronavirus pandemic, between a mother and her daughter. Personally, this film really moved me, people that have experienced family with declining mental health will understand, as it was portrayed very well.

The film is 2 hours long, I thought it was a good length, people have complained about it being too long, but I disagree, the film took its time in showcasing all sorts of scenarios, following both the mother and daughter throughout its course. Sometimes together, and other times apart.

I enjoyed it thoroughly, the acting was fantastic and the ambience of the movie was great, too. It is a slowly progressing film, but I do think that was intentional, as to reflect on the situation the main characters were in.

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.

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.

Psychosis is the theme of this story. I didn't recall any Taiwan product on this topic before, this is probably the first one. Demonstrating this sickness via the drama and help people understanding more on psychosis but in a very nature and moving way. Chia performance no doubt the top notch but I would say this movie give her a limit on her power of acting. I think if the ending is another way, it will make me rate down a lot. Glad it didn't end badly.