Lu bing hua

I just rewatch it recently, I think the film on top of being a good critic/ reflection of Taiwanese education, society and a bit of the political background of of the time period, it's cinematography and main tune is a blast too!

I especially like how the river the protagonists have to travel everyday shot, in a way that it seems vast, mystical and with a quiet haunting beauty, perfectly reflecting how the protagonist might connect with it in multiple layers. In my view the river never just a tedious path that have to be past everyday on a raft, but part of his life, he could be playful with the raft imagining he is riding a donkey, the daylight and night light on it inspired him to draw but feeling the paper are too small, and finally the echo the Idea of "reflection" in the lyrics of the theme song... Implying the river also serve as a mother figure that accompanying the protagonists quietly, perhaps nurturing the tea plants too ...

Would totally recommend one to watch it! I think all these beautiful shots and metaphors behind it makes it more than a film about recognition in art also how one connection art with the place and life.

I remember seeing it when I was in elementary school, and it remains to be one of my favorite movies (and YES, i'm a Star Wars fan too, so here is a dose of reality that I'm not some sort of weird person :p).

The reason I post this comment today is that I just saw a rerun on TV, and since it's on IMDB, I'm here to comment on it.

Genius. What's a genius? Do we see a genius naturally, or do we admit that someone is a genius AFTER he's been "proven" to be one? A 4th grade young boy from a poor family loves to draw, and he is talented. His drawing is so imaginative and colorful, that we "normal" people see it as "weirdness." So what do we do? Do we give him a chance, or do we simple ignore him? This's the core of the story.

Children are gifts. They see what we adults can't see, and we shouldn't use our narrowed vision to limit and restrict them. Freedom, purity, innocence are what they seek. I do think that everyone should find some plot in the movie that is related to your life, and I sincerely wish you learn the meaning, after viewing this great movie.

Sorry, only tiny English captions, that is, if you can find it. But trust me, it's a rewarding experience, indeed.