Au revoir Taipei ( 2010 )

Au Revoir Taipei (2010): A Whimsical Journey of Love and Self-Discovery

Au Revoir Taipei, a 2010 Taiwanese romantic comedy directed by Arvin Chen, is a delightful and enchanting film that captures the vibrant energy and youthful spirit of Taipei. More than just a simple love story, it’s a charming exploration of identity, serendipity, and the unexpected detours life takes us on. The film follows Hsiao-Kai (Jack Yao), a young man desperate to learn French in order to follow his girlfriend, who has moved to Paris. His pursuit leads him to a series of bizarre and humorous encounters that ultimately transform his perspective on love, life, and his hometown.

Synopsis

Hsiao-Kai is heartbroken after his girlfriend, Yi-Shan, leaves for Paris to pursue her studies. Determined to win her back, he promises to learn French and join her. To this end, he frequents a local bookstore run by the enigmatic Madame Gao (Françoise Yip), a French expatriate who offers him language lessons and cryptic advice. Hsiao-Kai believes that if he can demonstrate his dedication by mastering French, Yi-Shan will reconsider their relationship.

One night, while trying to buy a plane ticket to Paris with money borrowed from a gangster (Lawrence Ko), Hsiao-Kai encounters Susie (Amber Kuo), a sales clerk who dreams of becoming a chef in Paris. Their paths become intertwined as they navigate the bustling streets of Taipei together. Hsiao-Kai needs to quickly repay the gangster. Susie, bored and disillusioned with her current life, offers to help him. Their seemingly simple plan unfolds into a chaotic night filled with police chases, mistaken identities, and unexpected romance.

Throughout the night, they cross paths with a cast of quirky characters: the perpetually unlucky police officer, cop No. 346 (Joseph Chang), who's constantly dealing with minor mishaps; a street performer dressed as a mime; and various other eccentric individuals who contribute to the film's whimsical atmosphere. As Hsiao-Kai and Susie’s adventures progress, Hsiao-Kai begins to question his unwavering pursuit of Yi-Shan and starts to see the potential for happiness in the present, right in his own city.

Themes

Au Revoir Taipei beautifully explores several key themes:

• Love and Longing: The film examines different facets of love, from Hsiao-Kai's idealized, long-distance affection to the budding connection between him and Susie. It questions whether chasing an idealized image of love is more fulfilling than embracing the possibilities that exist closer to home.
• Self-Discovery: Hsiao-Kai's journey is not just about learning French; it's about discovering himself. He initially defines his identity by his relationship with Yi-Shan. Through his experiences with Susie and the other characters, he learns to appreciate his own city and the opportunities it presents.
• Serendipity and Chance: The film emphasizes the importance of chance encounters and unexpected detours in life. The seemingly random events that unfold throughout the night ultimately lead Hsiao-Kai to a new understanding of himself and his desires.
• Identity and Place: The film is deeply rooted in the vibrant culture of Taipei. The city itself acts as a character, providing a backdrop for the characters' adventures and shaping their experiences. The film also explores the themes of being Taiwanese, wanting to leave, and then finding home again.

Characters

The characters in Au Revoir Taipei are a key element of its charm. They are quirky, relatable, and often endearingly flawed.

Directing and Style

Arvin Chen's direction is light and playful, perfectly capturing the film's whimsical tone. He employs several stylistic techniques that contribute to the overall charm and appeal of Au Revoir Taipei:

• Vibrant Visuals: The film is visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant colors and bustling energy of Taipei. The cinematography captures the city's beauty and its unique atmosphere.
• Humorous Dialogue: The dialogue is witty and often absurd, adding to the film's comedic effect. The characters' interactions are both funny and endearing.
• Musical Score: The film's soundtrack is upbeat and lively, complementing the fast-paced action and romantic mood. The music enhances the emotional impact of the story.
• Dreamlike Sequences: The film incorporates several dreamlike sequences that blur the line between reality and fantasy. These sequences add to the film's surreal and whimsical atmosphere.
• Fast Pacing: The movie has a fast pace that keeps viewers engaged.

Reception and Awards

Au Revoir Taipei was well-received by critics and audiences alike. It premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2010, where it won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film. The film was praised for its charming story, strong performances, and its unique portrayal of Taipei. It received positive reviews for its lighthearted tone and its ability to capture the essence of youth and romance.

Here's a summary of some notable awards and recognition:

Influence and Legacy

Au Revoir Taipei helped solidify Arvin Chen's reputation as a talented director and contributed to the growing popularity of Taiwanese cinema. The film's success demonstrated that Taiwanese films could appeal to international audiences with their unique stories and charming characters. It paved the way for other Taiwanese films to gain recognition on the global stage.

The film is also considered a modern classic of Taiwanese cinema, inspiring filmmakers with its distinctive style and its positive portrayal of Taipei. Its depiction of the city and its youthful energy continues to resonate with audiences today. It has become a favorite among viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a touch of whimsy and a strong sense of place.

Analysis of Specific Scenes

Several scenes in Au Revoir Taipei are particularly memorable and contribute significantly to the film's overall impact.

• The Bookstore Scene: Hsiao-Kai's interactions with Madame Gao in the bookstore are filled with humor and philosophical insights. Madame Gao's cryptic advice, though seemingly nonsensical at times, encourages Hsiao-Kai to question his assumptions and consider new perspectives. This scene is important because it represents Hsaio-Kai's growing willingness to learn.
• The Police Chase: The police chase involving Hsiao-Kai, Susie, and Cop No. 346 is a masterclass in comedic timing and physical humor. The scene is both thrilling and hilarious, showcasing the film's ability to blend genres seamlessly.
• The Rooftop Scene: Hsiao-Kai and Susie's conversation on the rooftop offers a moment of quiet reflection amidst the chaos. They bond over their shared dreams of Paris, but also begin to realize the potential for happiness in their current surroundings.
• The Night Market Scene: The night market scene captures the vibrant energy of Taipei and showcases the city's diverse culinary offerings. This scene highlights the sense of community and the unique cultural experiences that Taipei has to offer.
• The Final Airport Scene: The ending scene where Hsiao-Kai faces a choice shows his maturity, and new point of view. He shows how he has developed from his previous self.

Comparison with Other Films

Au Revoir Taipei can be compared to other romantic comedies that explore themes of self-discovery and serendipity. While it has its own distinct Taiwanese flavor, it shares similarities with films such as:

Conclusion

Au Revoir Taipei is a delightful and heartwarming film that offers a refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre. Its charming characters, vibrant visuals, and whimsical storytelling make it a memorable and enjoyable cinematic experience. The film's themes of love, self-discovery, and serendipity resonate with audiences of all ages, and its positive portrayal of Taipei makes it a celebration of Taiwanese culture. Whether you're a fan of romantic comedies, independent films, or simply looking for a feel-good movie, Au Revoir Taipei is a must-see.