Watch Betelnut Beauty

Betelnut Beauty is a Taiwanese romantic drama film released in 2001, directed by Doze Niu and starring Chang Chen, Angelica Lee, Chen-Nan Tsai, and Jack Kao. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, followed by theatrical releases across Asia. The story is set in Taipei's Zhongxiao Dunhua district and follows the lives of three young individuals brought together by the illegal sale of betelnut, a mild psycho-stimulant drug popular in Taiwan. Dylan (Chang Chen), a carefree young man, works as a betelnut delivery driver and spends his nights chasing girls in KTV bars. His life changes when he meets Michelle (Angelica Lee), a betelnut vendor working in a small roadside booth. Despite Dylan's initial disinterest in her, Michelle is persistent in her pursuit, and they soon become romantically involved.

Meanwhile, Michelle's childhood friend Bai Ling (Chen-Nan Tsai) is working as a hostess at a KTV bar, where she is mistreated by her boss and harassed by customers. Bai Ling is in love with Ah Hong (Jack Kao), a former gangster who is now running a hot pot restaurant. However, Ah Hong is married and has an affair with Bai Ling only when his wife is out of town. Bai Ling's dream is to leave the KTV bar and start a new life with Ah Hong.

As the plot develops, the characters' relationships become more complicated. Dylan struggles to maintain his connection with Michelle as he continues to pursue other women. Michelle, on the other hand, is torn between her love for Dylan and her loyalty to her betelnut-selling colleagues. Bai Ling's obsession with Ah Hong becomes increasingly dangerous as she threatens to reveal their affair to his wife. Meanwhile, Dylan's boss, a betelnut dealer, becomes involved in a criminal network, putting everyone's lives in danger.

The film is a poignant portrayal of the struggles of young people in modern Taipei, trying to navigate their way through social and economic pressures. The theme of illegal betelnut sales serves as a metaphor for the characters' attempts to find meaning and happiness in a society where they feel out of place. The film also highlights the unique aspects of Taiwanese youth culture, such as the KTV industry and the popularity of betelnut.

The cast delivers strong performances, with Chang Chen in particular portraying Dylan's carefree personality and his inner turmoil convincingly. Angelica Lee's portrayal of Michelle as a vulnerable and sensitive character adds depth to the story. The supporting cast, including Chen-Nan Tsai and Jack Kao, also give noteworthy performances, showcasing the complexities of their characters.

Director Doze Niu's vision for the film is evident in the detailed portrayal of Taipei's nightlife and the use of handheld camera techniques, giving the audience a sense of being immersed in the characters' world. The film's soundtrack, featuring music from Taiwanese indie artists, adds to the overall mood and enhances the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, Betelnut Beauty is a powerful and moving film that offers a refreshing perspective on youth culture in Taiwan. Through its relatable characters and engaging narrative, the film presents a compelling commentary on contemporary Taiwanese society and the challenges faced by its young people.

Betelnut Beauty is a 2001 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.