The Edge of Night

"Two Funerals" is a film that focuses on portraits one individual, how does one's mind and values changes? How does social pressure affect him? Compared with the film about social issues, such a story reflects the intrinsic value of human beings.

This documentary film follows the journey of former student activist and current political staffer Chen Ting-hao after his decision to escape the cynical politicism of Taipei City to the political backwater of Matsu, an island group administered by Taiwan less than a dozen kilometers off the coast of China. The narrative follows Ting-hao as he reflects on how his political idealism fits in with everyday political reality and ponders Taiwan’s complex political landscape, Taiwan’s relations with a meddlesome yet surprisingly indifferent China, and the perspectives of Matsu residents on Taiwan-China affairs.

In November, 2008, Chen Yun-lin visited Taiwan, a critical moment in history where the first official Chinese envoy to ever step on Taiwan soil in 60 years. Meanwhile, Taiwan people's freedom of speech and personal liberty were severely suppressed by the state apparatus. Student protesters assembled via internet networking all over the place, to voice their anger at the abuse of their common value. In the course of the struggle, suspicion arises among members of the movement due to ideological differences and distrust. They are engrossed in activism, schoolwork, active citizenship, politics, passion and self-reflection. Here in Taipei, in this square, in their twenties.