Taiwanese Movies

This was SO fun and funny! And the Gay undertones and overall Queer vibes only added to it.

Can be found on Netflix

I'm crying, AND I'm smiling! How do I tell you why? How do I tell you without telling you everything?

It was painful but bright and fantastical—like that rare, vivid dream that lingers long after you awake.

And even though there was pain, there was such exhilarating hope pushing through it that I think I could more than bear to witness it all over again many more times.

I think this is what Soul Mate wanted to convey, but couldn't. If you were disappointed with that drama and haven't seen this movie already, I strongly encourage you to watch it.

Can be found on Netflix

This was an odd watch for sure, with humor that was often overly ridiculous and crude, but it eventually grew on me in a way, even though it wouldn't normally be my style.

For an off-the-wall watch with some creativity, I say, why not give it a try? 

Can be found on Netflix

This was visceral and raw, which I did expect. However, I did not realize just to what extent it would be. I don't recommend this to most people due to its sensitive content, however, I found it very impactful and worthwhile a watch.

Despite its many dark moments (which isn't a negative) it managed to incorporate some instances of comedy and a few moments of peacefulness to get you through it.

Would I rewatch it? I think maybe I would at least one more time so I could sort out some layered pieces of dialogue and instances of double-meanings and/or deceit. Beyond that, I'm not sure.

Can be found on Netflix

This was a difficult watch. Going into it I knew it had a sad ending. Still hurt anyway :(

Can be found on GagaOOLala or AppleTV

This was pretty good. The chemistry, motivations, and acting really sold it. The actual beats of the story didn't fit at times. It was the characters that truly carried it.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Note: I will be using she/her/they interchangeably for Wan/Liu Ting, the main lead.

Here's the thing: the acting, conflicts, and cuts are excellent. However, the ending is abrupt, to say the least (I felt like 30 more minutes were missing), and if they wanted to be bold with telling the story of an Intersex lead, they should have been detailed and consistent as well.

Was the surgery medically necessary? Because otherwise, if Wan really didn't want to have it, why did she? And even if it was medically necessary if Wan still wanted to present/identify as a woman, why didn't she? Does Liu Ting accept himself presenting and being perceived as a man now or not (he initially seems to be comfortable with himself but then goes back and forth)? With the movie not willing to go deeper and explain, I struggle to take it as a serious piece and even question if they know what they're talking about.

And if they wanted to properly delve into what it's like for the people who knew someone before transitioning now getting to know/accept them afterward (and deal with their romantic feelings), they desperately needed to clarify WHO the lead is/wants to be.

I'm going to assume they meant well, but they really could have done better.

Can be found on Rakuten Viki

Honestly, I'm a bit puzzled. It's intentionally erotic but also trippy to a confusing point. But, I almost don't mind it.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

A pretty good short film. It was quiet and soothing the majority of the time and the characters were mature in their thinking. I enjoyed it for the most part.

Honestly, I have a hard time understanding it. I think I'd need to rewatch it a few more times.

It feels like something crawled under my skin.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

Not as good as Your Name Engraved Herein and some steps down in intenseness but intense nonetheless. Overall, it was alright. One moment made me think, "What the hell?!" though.

Can be found on GagaOOLala

They managed to create chemistry between them quickly, but I would have liked to have had more detail about the protest and a more built-up ending. Otherwise, it was still a quality short film.

Can be found on GagaOOLala