Denny Tsao Hsi-Ping

Feature debut by notable film critic Wang Wei. The film takes Taipei’s trendy Ximending district, best known for its mix of alternative lifestyles, youth fashion and the antimony of adolescent life, and provides an upbeat story of damaged young people finding their purpose in life. The film’s upbeat tone may appeal to some, but the complexity of the background is obliterated by rom-com stereotypes.

College student Gei (Hou Yan Xi) lives with his mom Zhen Ying (Miao Ke Li) in Tamsui. His father, nineties idol Bone, disappeared 24 years ago, leaving behind a half-written song. Because of this, Zhen Ying won't let Gei play the guitar or pursue rock music, leading to constant arguments between the two. Though he has no money himself, Gei is always trying to help out his buddies, and even secretly uses his mother's property to guarantee his friend's debt. One day, after enraging both his mom and girlfriend (Beatrice Fang), Gei gets super drunk and on his way home, he sees a man crying for help in Tamsui River. Gei rescues the man (Chris Wu) and finds that he looks exactly like his father! Bony's sudden arrival changes the family in unexpected ways, even as he constantly badgers Gei to help him return to the past.