dragon8864
I had a high expectation on this movie. Now I have seen it, I really think this movie is overrated. The Japanese girl Tomoko character is such a strange character. She is always yelling and her Chinese is very bad which is killing the movie. The over rapping with war time scene and current story line is not working at all.
who cares
I can understand why this movie broke box office record in Taiwan, because it is truly a movie Taiwanese people can fully appreciate. But I doubt others can understand it and enjoy it as much.As they say in Japan, the "common sense" in Japan is not the common sense in other countries. The characters in this movie seem to be doing things that are not thinkable or allowed in other countries. But in Taiwan, they are completely acceptable. Even though they are just subplots and do not affect the whole story, they may be confusing to non Taiwanese viewers. Especially there is a lose end to a very important part. If you can ignore these non essential parts, then you will enjoy the movie.After the beginning mess, the movie stays focused. With every passing minute, draws you closer to the characters. In the end, the movie grows on you, after it's finished, you will want to see it again.If the director gives it some editing, it can be a serious Oscar contender.
madlay88
Excellent! A great work for the director! Lovely story happening in a small village. I just cannot stop until the last minute. Until the last concert, the breathtaking plot explode! As a man, I am almost crying during the concert part. This can be the best romance during these years. The scenery of the bay is also perfect in the movies. So far as I can remember, that is one of the most beautiful town that I have ever visited. This movie also includes a very special emotion for the people at town. A pure love tunneling through the movie, which is not easy to see in other movie. There is no doubt that I will recommend all my friend enjoying this movie.
ctsnow
Wow! I just finished seeing this with a group of friends and everybody in the cinema seemed to truly enjoy themselves. Filmed in Taiwan with a Taiwanese director and mostly local actors, this timeless plot features a small town that must come up with a band comprised of local musicians that will be the opening act for a big beach concert starring a big Japanese star. Will the beautiful Japanese concert coordinator fall for the local boy that has left a musical career in Taipei to return home to become a mailman? Can a band with a 10-year-old keyboardist, a 70-year-old bassist, and various other misfits help put Hengchun on the map? This may strike some as a Taiwanese version of "The Commitments"/"School of Rock" and, yes, there are a few saccharine moments. Yet, director Wei Te-sheng, a former assistant director under the legendary Edward Yang (director of one of Taiwan's all-time best films, "Yi Yi," IMHO), skillfully pulls everything off without a hitch. Recommended to movie lovers of all ages!
AD
