17 sui de tian kong (2004) User Reviews

Lively comedy-drama has its heart in the right place

[Libretio · 6/10 · 23 February 2005]

FORMULA 17 (17 Sui De Tian Kong)

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Dolby Digital

Events conspire to frustrate the budding romance between a naive country boy (Tony Yang) searching for love in Taipei, and a local stud (Duncan Chow) notorious for his sexual conquests.

A smash hit in its native Taiwan, this breezy romantic comedy was the inaugural production of Three Dots Entertainment, an independent studio committed to the production of commercial genre movies, and was directed by first-timer Chen Yin-jung (aka DJ Chen), a 23 year old graduate of Yuan Ze University. To her credit, Chen tackles the film's subject matter head-on and refuses to cut away when the two guys at the center of Rady Fu's old-fashioned screenplay finally - inevitably - get it on. Yang and Chow maintain a respectful distance from one another at first, each afraid to make that crucial leap of faith, until Yang finally turns up on Chow's doorstep and sighs: "Let's stop pretending, it's tiring", leading to the film's central sex scene, a tasteful affair with lots of kissing and fumbling and raunchy good intentions. Much of the running time, however, is given over to various comic interludes involving Yang's newfound friends (Jin Qin, Dada Ji and Jimmy Yang), a trio of outrageous queens who insist on making a melodrama out of the tiniest crisis. Unfortunately, the comedy is forced and unfunny and a little too excessive at times, but the central love story yields its fair share of tender rewards.

As a vehicle for its ultra-sexy leading men, FORMULA 17 is hard to beat: Yang and Chow (the latter billed simply as 'Duncan') achieved teen idol status in popular Taiwanese TV dramas, where they both played wholly conventional roles. Here, Yang is a childlike innocent searching for True Love, and Chow is a beautiful playboy whose reputation belies his own desperate search for emotional fulfilment. Standout scenes include a comic episode in which Jin and co. set up Yang with a hunky prostitute (Yang Zhi-long) who turns up at Our Hero's apartment posing as a plumber, in a scenario lifted wholesale from countless porn videos; and an early sequence in which Yang and Chow bump into one another while standing at a busy crossroads, where their hesitant overtures are kindled by an elderly gent standing alongside them, who despairs of their reluctance to acknowledge a mutual attraction (this scene has a *very* gay conclusion!). Chen allows the pace to slacken during dialogue exchanges (the bulk of the movie!), which takes some of the fizz out of proceedings, but the film has a virtuous heart and builds to a joyous conclusion which - along with the cute guys and up-front sexuality - probably bolstered its commercial fortunes at the Taiwanese box-office. Production-wise, Chen makes the most of her limited resources, and she's well-served by Chen Huei-sheng's imaginative cinematography, and Zack Gu's designer-label art direction/costume design (leading to the movie's biggest laugh, when Yang pronounces 'Gucci' as 'juicy'!).

NB. Amusingly (or not, depending on your point of view), FORMULA 17 was banned in Singapore by the Films Appeals Committee for creating "an illusion of a homosexual utopia, where everyone, including passersby, is homosexual and no ills or problems are reflected... It conveys the message that homosexuality is normal, and a natural progression in society"! That same year, Singaporean authorities finally allowed the broadcast of popular TV dramedy "Sex and the City", gave the go-ahead for a small number of bars to open 24 hours a day, and partially legalized the sale and consumption of chewing gum...

(Mandarin and Cantonese dialogue)

Under the Superficial Fluff Lies a Sensitive Tale

[gradyharp · 6/10 · 9 April 2006]

'Shi qi sui de tian kong' (FORMULA 17) is a very fine first venture into film making by two young Taiwanese women - Yin-jung Chen, director and Rady Fu, screenwriter - who are unafraid to take on a taboo subject in Taiwan and find some excellent talent and ideas that suggest that there will be more films from them in the future. Though the central theme and two characters of the story are excellent, the movie drifts into wide-eyed burlesque with its supporting cast, and thus the six rating instead of eight.

Tien (Tony Yang) is a naive seventeen-year-old from the provinces who comes to Taipei to live with his old friend Yu (Chin King), a bartender in a gay bar, for a summer. Tien is gay, a virgin, and intends to stay a virgin until he is in a meaningful love relationship. Yu is suffering from a relationship that is tainted by distance, but he sees the need to introduce Tien into the active gay life in Taipei - and to put an end to Tien's virginity. Together with Yu's friends (way over the top flamboyant kids) Tien is introduced to gay bars, is set up with hunks, but he holds to his values - until he eyes 30-year-old playboy Bai Tieh-nan (Duncan Lai), a lothario famous for his one night stands. We gradually learn that Bai is a sensitive hunk with issues who is afraid to fall in love, hence his one night stand rule. The story at the core of this film is how the two ultimately fulfill each others' ideals and needs.

Much of the film dawdles in stereotypical situations and poorly acted and directed excursions into the bar scenes, but the work of Duncan Lai and Tony Yang makes the film credible and well worth watching: both men are handsome, talented actors who develop a fine screen chemistry. For all its weak points, FORMULA 17 is a film with a big heart and a gay film that manages to deal with some important issues of fidelity and honesty instead of focusing on merely the superficial. In Mandarin, Cantonese, English with subtitles. Grady Harp

Duncan Chow is the saviour of this occasionally brilliant movie.

[bassez_love · 6/10 · 15 September 2006]

It's a little bit hard to put your finger on this show, which is a mixture of comedy, romance and gay sex – there is a lot of emphasis on sex. Also, it's one of those films in which everyone is homosexual and loving it. There is no struggle with sexuality in any of the characters -- although that's really not the point of this movie. In all honesty, the fact that the cast is gay has no impact on the plot whatsoever. It could have been a straight story and I would have been none the wiser. Of course, I probably wouldn't have watched it either, had that been the case.

There were a few things that really suckered me into enjoying this film, though. Firstly, the chemistry between the leading men; sparks fly between Tieh Nan and Tian Cai from the minute they see each other (oh, they really, really do!). For some reason, they worked very well together, going from adorable bashfulness to familiarity to blissful contentment with incredible feeling. Also, the buildup towards their sex scene with the hesitance and the fumbling hands? One of the best, most believably sexy moments I've ever watched on screen (another that came close was between Diego Luna and Romola Garai in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights; the transition from languid touches to frantic desperate need was so excellently done I can feel tingles down my spine just thinking about it).

Another thing I liked about the movie is that they had exaggerated comic relief, a typical characteristic of most Chinese films, but that it somehow, for most of it, wasn't too outrageous. I actually enjoyed it. Wen Yu, CC & Alan are, aside from Tian Cai's protectors and sex gurus, the comic relief of the show, and they pull off their parts with justified aplomb.

On top of that, I thoroughly relished the way the movie incorporated the difficulties of being in a relationship and dealing with the aftermath of a breakup. The barrier of language in Wen Yu and his Caucasian boyfriend's relationship was used very well, and the contrast in his and Tian Cai's behavior after their breakups (one wallowing while the other channeled all his pain into anger) was a delight to watch.

Finally, Bai Tieh Nan, which is where I indulge myself in a little bit of (what some might consider) biased rambling. You see, although he's not the typical swoon-worthy boy, his acting is so wonderfully crafted that there are quite a few scenes I rewound and replayed over and over again just to stare in amazement at his incredibly spot-on expressions. Naturally, this doesn't hold up through the entire film. His visits to his psychiatrist are too exaggerated, his attempts at callousness in his flashbacks are pathetic, and they should never use the "slow-mo, wind blowing his hair as he walks into a room with absolutely no wind around" angle on him. He's not traditionally handsome enough to pull it off. But boy, does he have aura. I could go on and on, because he is that good, and he has several scenes in the movie that are ovary-bursting worthy. Near the close of the film, he prays for a sign, any sign, to show him where Tian Cai has gone, and says that if after he counts from one to ten his sign doesn't appear, he'll give up. It is possibly the most emotional countdown I've ever heard.

Now, this movie is not without its downside. I could have done without the lengthy, somewhat pointless intro. There was absolutely no use in Tian Cai's dream about jumping into a pool at the start of the movie and then getting kissed by Tieh Nan while his voice-over went on and on about trigonometry. It bore no further significance, either, even at the end where it becomes apparent that Tian Cai has this recurring dream quite often, in which he asks several different questions that Tieh Nan now has the answers to. If that was supposed to show me that Tieh Nan was, quite literally, the man of Tian Cai's dreams, it was a pathetic attempt. The lucky condom that Wen Yu gave Tian Cai was another useless plot point. One of my pet peeves is when these little details are brought to attention only to be neglected at the end of the film.

Formula 17 is a difficult movie to sit through, even with its occasional flashes of brilliance. It's only worth it when you realize the wonder that is Bai Tieh Nan. He almost single-handedly saves the show. Steals it, really, though with the acting that Tian Cai couldn't do, it isn't hard to see why.

Funny and a bit too predictable

[gothic_a666 · 29 October 2010]

As the title itself states, 'Formula 17' does follow a formula that has been done many a time: wide eyes romantic virgin with fanciful ideas of true love meets jaded playboy. This is the gay version of that older than old staple of romance comedy. But there is enough in this production to keep it fresh and interesting. First of all the awkwardness between the leads is very genuine. The acting is very good all around but secondary characters are of course either zany and over the top or of the straight man kind, a requirement that seems even more present in homosexual themed films. This leaves only the main couple to truly shine in terms of acting. Their awkward interaction gives a hint of realism in a whacky comedy.

The parody element is important in that it pokes fun at gay clichés with gusto, with narrated flashbacks staged as theater pieces and light heartedly making fun of being overly emotional. Jokes around lack of communication between Mandarin and Cantonese speakers will probably go over the head of most Western (or even non-Chinese) viewers but they keep the comedy from being too one note. Some nuances are introduced in the general outline of the movie since the jaded man is undergoing therapy to cure himself of his Don Juan ways. Not that this is at all taken seriously. Even when the story plods into its mandatory crisis two thirds into it there is never a feeling that anything is at all in jeopardy.

It ends as the viewer expected it too from the every first frame. The conclusion may be a bit too neat and there is something horribly distracting about the soundtrack, especially during intimate scenes. This movie has a certain amateur aura to it but that ends up being its greatest selling points. Shot in a fresh way and with plenty of color across the screen 'Formula 17' cannot help being formulaic but it is a worthy effort for all that.

Understanding Chinese Probably Essential to Appreciate This Film

[ekeby · 3/10 · 4 October 2007]

This story about a naive 17-year-old coming to the city looking for love just doesn't ring true. Well, true enough, anyway. In his apartment (or dorm room), at the beginning of the movie, there's a poster on the wall for the film Happy Together. Let me warn you--if you admired the gritty realism, film style, and eyes-wide-open anti-romance of that film, Formula 17 is its polar opposite.

And in more ways than one. That the virginal student, Tien, even knows about Happy Together--much less admires it enough to display the poster--is completely incongruous with his character.

Tien's best friend, with whom he bunks in the city, is a comic character that probably doesn't translate accurately. I can well imagine Taiwanese audiences finding his high queen low comedy hilarious. But I felt I was not only missing language subtleties, some cultural subtleties must have eluded me too. I found very little of his shtick humorous or entertaining. The same goes for the roommate's two friends, also intended to be comic. Not for me.

The actor who plays the anti-hero Bai seems to be acting in another movie altogether--maybe an Ang Lee drama, or maybe even Happy Together. His gravitas is a couple of notches above what is necessary for this bit of fluff.

Toward the end of the movie Tien's three pals confront Bai. At one point one of them insists that he speak Mandarin. It was at that moment that I felt I'd been completely missing an entire dimension of the movie, something that had to do with cultural and language differences between the characters. Similarly, there are a number of dialog-free scenes that are underscored with untranslated Chinese pop songs. Again, I felt I was probably missing something.

I agree, this film has it's heart in the right place. The production is clearly low-budget, but that isn't detracting. The story-line is not very original, but that's not detracting either, really. What was a major minus for me, though, was the feeling that as a non-Chinese speaker, I was missing more than half of what was going on.

There isn't much to this movie. But what little is there almost certainly depends upon a thorough understanding of the language and culture to appreciate fully. Without that understanding you're watching a bit of fluff that will strike you as seriously deficient in content and quality. And that may not be entirely true.

Delightful Movie

[luckie-1 · 10/10 · 11 April 2005]

Director Chen Ying Rong debuts in an all-male movie that exposes a unique view of gays in Taipei. Perfectly cast for the role, Tony Yang Yo Ning plays a naive, 17-year old teenager (Tien) who ventures off to the big city in search of "true love". Courageous, honest and innocent in chasing his goal in love, Tien gets attracted to the popular 30-year-old playboy Pai (Duncan Lai) – who Tien fantasizes about giving his first intimately kiss to. A thoughtful movie that takes you into the streets of Taiwan, showing you its exciting nightlife into the famous gay bars Funky and Fresh. Formula 17 follows the success of the gay-themed movie Lan Yu - which won international awards for its artistic and realistic portrayal.

This movie starts with the naive countryman Tien. He goes to Taipei to meet his friend who he met online. Believing in "true love", his friend really disappoints him by saying that he would like to have sex with him. "How can we make love if there is not love between us?" Tien asks.

Then his 'the one' appears. This stud (Nan) was hurt by his ex-boyfriend, and thinks that he will never fall in love again. But later, he discovers that he's fallen in love with this cute guy. Scaring of getting hurt and hurting Tien, he decides to leave Tien after the romantic night. In fact, this can do nothing but hurts both of them. At this time, Nan knows he has to overcome his fear of intimacy because he has fallen in love with Tien. He prays to God, hoping God can give him one more chance, and getting Tien back. Then the miracle happens, and they two finally get together. This movie also records the pride parade held in Taipei in the late 2003.

Heartwarming and Silly

[lavieneko-1 · 10/10 · 1 January 2006]

Although this movie is low budget and completely silly, it revels in that and seems proud of it rather than trying to ignore it. A completely generic plot that anyone can guess, especially if they're familiar with gay fiction, and your typical gay characters would usually mean a boring movie. Instead this film puts together characters that you can completely believe and expect to meet on the street. I found myself thinking "I wish I knew these guys!" many times. A totally adorable wonderful happy movie that will make you giggle and squeal and completely believe in love, even if it's just for the duration of the film, this one is not to be missed. Heartwarming, adorable, real, yet fantastic... I can't rate this one highly enough.

An Encouraging Fair Tale

[gzchenjunhui · 10/10 · 21 August 2006]

I think "Formula 17" is excellent because it's an encouraging fair tale for homosexuals, and even for people of all ranks. It's a fair tale, of course, firstly because the two leading roles are both handsome and attractive men, just like the prince and the princess as it would have been in an ordinary fair tale such as "Snow White" or "Cinderella". But the point is that it demonstrates the life of homosexuals not in a realistic, but in a fabulous way. That's good, actually, in my opinion. So I'm shocked when I learn from other's comments that the Singaporean Government bans it for that reason. I don't like it if the film is labeled as a "beautification of homosexuality" or something similar. I think there's touching true love in gay and straight groups alike, as is one-night-stand. So this film is excellent in that it breaks the stereotype of homosexuals in a great number of movies made before. But this fair tale, in addition to the handsome guys, pretty settings, and touching lines, is also encouraging, especially for homosexuals. We are not naive enough to believe that such true love as in the movie can fall upon us so easily as in the movie. But at least there's hope: the hope for true love and the hope for future. And that's what really counts. That's the same for all fair tales. After reading or watching "Snow White" or "Cinderella", we may at first moved by the story and wish we could have the same beautiful life. But later, especially when we've experienced more, we know that we have to try our best to pursue our happiness. The same holds true for "Formula 17", as we can see from some lines such as "Love is only to be seen by the brave ones" and "Even love has the past tense...But we can run faster to catch up with it". As long as we still cherish hope and never give up, we can certainly find our true love and happiness, no matter if we are gay or straight.

a Wonderful Taiwanese gay movie

[kevin6527 · 10/10 · 7 October 2004]

As a Taiwanese, I am very proud of this production. I saw it when I was in Taiwan and loved it. A very funny comedy of a gay utopia in Taipei. No women can be seen in this movie. No aids. No difficulties of coming out. No one dying. Just a gay comedy. Makes everyone happy. I just got the DVD. watched it with my German friends and we all loved it. Sweet and loving. The two leading actors are actually straight. But they did a wonderful job.

Being gay and 17 can be a fabulous thing. And this movie is a great happy statement saying, "I am fag and fabulous!"

This year's sweetest gay movie from Taiwan - maybe all of Asia

[CBSinFLL · 9/10 · 30 April 2005]

Innocent boy sees then meets jaded boy. Jaded boy becomes unjaded. Familiar story but with a sweetness that can make even a tired old queen believe (again) in the power of love at first sight.

The supporting characters are truly funny and resemble many I've met in Asia. Even though the version I saw had 15 minutes of lost subtitles (?!?!?!?) the message was still clear.

I saw this at the Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. There was an error in the program. This movie is from TAIWAN not Thailand. But a lot of the charm that was part of Iron Ladies (from Thailand) can be seen in this film.

Not a deep film but certainly worth a see.

My Favorite Film of the Summer

[mgr81760 · 10/10 · 14 September 2008]

I just really enjoyed this film. It's young, it's innocent, and it carries none of the angst that typifies so many gay films.

I do think that some miss the trees for the forest in this film. It's more than just sex: it speaks very much to friendship--the characteristic non-sexual male bonding that appears throughout so much Chinese cinema--that rises above and beyond being gay or in love. This is a theme that is repeated throughout the film, and shows itself in everything from Yu's immediate acceptance that Tien will of course be staying with him, to each boy's attempt to comfort Yu in his breakup with what they understood best, CC with gossip, Alan with his weights, and Tien Tsai with his idealism--it continues in Tien's immediate declination of Richard's initial offer to him because, "my buddy's heartbroken, I'm going home"..and through to, and especially, Jun and Richard.

There is a scene in the movie, in which Tien runs into Bai and Jun on the elevator, watch who Jun watches, then watch as both he and Tien reach for the button panel at the same time, and the metaphor is all too clear. Yet, throughout the film, Jun's unspoken feelings for Richard are kept suppressed by him, even to the point of giving Richard up when he realizes that the latter really does love Tien Tsai. Those feelings reveal themselves, however, in the elevator scene, and in the twisted smile he gives Richard three times: first when he comes upon Richard and Tien-Tsai in the shower together, second when Richard is unable to kiss him, and third when he asks Richard the, for him, fateful, question: "Do you want to see him again?" and Richard's answer, "You know I do". The guy who plays Richard doesn't get enough credit for carrying his part so well.

Finally, while I would agree with Natalie above that Duncan Chow turns in some very good scenes--those in which he is interacting directly with Tien...the two really did have wonderful chemistry together...their scene on top of the building at night was really nice...and, yes, the countdown scene was sweet as hell...the heart of the show is Tony Yang as Tien. He comes across exactly as he should: a sweet kid who is shocked that his internet paramour doesn't want to know him, just do him...shy yet heated up by a sexy man he sees displaying interest in him...unsure of himself in dealing with Richard, urgent in his first kiss, and the morning after scene, where he is just remembering the night and exploring Richard's bedroom, can't help but bring back memories to any guy who's ever felt those emotions. I think it was that scene which won him the Newcomer's Award...gay or straight, you'd have to be a statue to be untouched by the clarity of what he projected at that moment.

Even the music is perfect for this film...I don't understand a word of Chinese, but it doesn't take much to understand what's going on...Rock Bang is the theme song for Tien Tsai, there's a really beautiful set of guitar chords that speak to Richard and Jun's relationship, there's a sad song the notes of which speak more to lost love than the words ever could...it was just really all very well matched.

Just a nice film to enjoy for lighthearted fun. As one reviewer noted, "if the melodramatic conclusion doesn't leave you with a silly smile on your face, it's probably because you're not human."

We all need silly smiles now and then. This film delivers.

Great Movie...

[clee7903 · 9/10 · 13 September 2004]

One of a few gay Asian movies out there today. It depicted a naive young Taiwanese gay man who ventured out to a very much open Taipei society in search of his true love only to encounter that lust rather than love was on the minds of most. Formula 17 also tried to approach this love story through a comedic style...with characters that were quite dramatic and over-reacting. In retrospect, I appreciate Formula 17 not only because it was a work of art, it was also an expression that many gay people out there could also relate with. Love have been lost and is seldom seen but the main character in this movie tried to bring it back for us to see and taste.

I would definitely recommend this movie to everyone...gay or straight.

A sweet Asian gay drama

[anderzzz-1 · 9/10 · 22 October 2010]

I have recently seen several "Asian gay dramas". Formula 17 is one of the best.

An observation I have made is that several of the Asian gay dramas are full of guilt. This is nothing unique to the Asian gay dramas, just think of Brokeback Mountain. But I have seen a few too many films that end in death and general misery, where the conclusion seems to be that being gay is just pain, suffering and misery. Perhaps this is a realistic description in some of the more conservative Asian societies, but if suicide is the only way out for the protagonist of the film, then that is a bad film in my opinion.

Formula 17 is a much more hopeful film. The protagonists have their struggles and problems to deal with. However, these problems are in good sense more everyday. The characters cover a wide and not too subtle spectrum of being gay, and the story is both fun and cute. Yes, it is a bit sugar coated, but why not? Also, the film offers some nice photo of Taiwan. After I saw this film, I wanted to go there.

Highly recommended, especially if you want to see a good Asian gay drama with more fun and less depression.

One of my favorite movies

[jaroslaw99 · 10/10 · 25 April 2016]

This movie is now 12 years old and I have watched it probably at least once a year since I bought it. (this review contains spoilers) There are a lot of reviews here - so I will be brief on the basic story - country boy moves to the city for a summer job and also searches for his true love. Meets sophisticated playboy, troubles ensue.

I don't know where the idea comes from this movie is simple or amateurish. I have watched many films and TV shows that are high brow or pretend to be and it is often a bunch of incomprehensible nonsense parading as complicated "art". This film was made at a time when Gay films without sad endings were rare. The only thing that was kind of silly was the part where two characters were lovesick and they were actually physically sick.

This movie has it all - beautiful scenery of the city, the parks, Sha-lung beach. Handsome guys, lots of comedy and romance. I loved all the characters - Yu, CC, Richard, Jay, Ray, Tapei Plumber, Alan. I think as a supporting player, Jason Chang as Richard didn't get enough credit. There were a number of cultural things I didn't understand - Tien's friends spraying (what?) on Bai & Richard when they returned from the business trip. The tongue movement at the store in the ending credits. Fantastic music as well. This is a light hearted happy ending comedy that if you are Gay (or even if not) you will enjoy.

Good Gay's Movie

[lia00027 · 8/10 · 8 January 2007]

This is the second time I watched gay's movie, the first time is 'the question of love' (France movie) and I feel that both of this movies are really good. Even though the plot is not so well made but the story line is really good looks exactly same like yaoi (gay) manga (comic) from Japan.

The story was about a country boy who came to Taipei after did his final exams, in Taipei he met friends and fell in love with no. 1 gay playboy (Duncan) in town. Duncan also liked him so they end up having one night stand but Duncan left him without any real explanation and made him broken heart. Soon after Duncan realized that he loved this country boy and tried to find him. Anyway it's a happy ending film beside it's a comedy which makes me really like this movie.

Yeah the plot is not as strong as France movie but this movie kinds of sweet and pure and the soundtracks also nice.

I recommend this movie to anyone who likes to read yaoi manga, see gay's movies or just want to see something good.

Taiwanese Lampoon

[Suradit · 19 November 2011]

The cast of characters, who are exceptionally attractive and/or genuinely lovable, would probably make this movie worth watching in any case. Fortunately, in addition to the eye-candy, this movie involves quite decent acting and very well-orchestrated humor. It's based on the usual run of misunderstandings that thwart the quest for true love, but done in a way that pokes fun at the whole overly dramatic, soap-operatic response often used in other movies, especially in terms of peer support and psychoanalytical "therapy." Quite often in Asian language movies the English subtitles can defeat the dialogue but in this case the subtitles were obviously done by someone with an excellent command of English. The only bizarre issue was that every letter J was turned into a K. So the main character is looking for a summer "kob" and denies feeling "kealous." Not something that really matters, but strange nonetheless.

I think I missed the "formula 17" meaning,unless it refers to the one boy's age, but there is a trigonometric identity featured for fans of mathematics.

If you want a light, feel-good experience, this movie is well worth watching. No ponderous morality or gut-wrenching tragedy, but you do get a lift to your spirits.

a film equivalent to pop music

[citronellaa · 8/10 · 10 March 2015]

This is more like a film equivalent to 'pop' music. Quite happy go lucky, kinda cheesy. This isn't the usual thing I'd go for, but compared to the last two films I stumbled across which were more dark, I quite appreciate it

The main character is pretty cute and innocent, from a quiet part of the island, and he is exposed to some homosexual lifestyles and attitudes of his Taipei friends. The main character's friend is also kinda sweet. The plot is not dazzling/shockingly brilliant - it's quite simple, but it does mirror some challenges you'd find in reality

There is a really good shot when the two characters are on a bridge, with the colourful lights behind in a good geometric position. Other than that we don't see too much of Taipei, which I found a shame. But the film definitely is a good example of the more liberal attitudes and lifestyles of Taiwan - attitudes to homosexuality are not conservative there - which I already knew from photos of the gay pride in Taiwan, and from a Cosmopolitan/Vice article I saw about a Taiwanese charity who want to give handjobs to disabled people (seriously)