Watch Blue Gate Crossing

Blue Gate Crossing is a coming-of-age film, released in 2002, from Taiwan. The story follows two high school students, Meng Ke-Rou (Gwei Lun-Mei) and Lin Yue-Ru (Yolin Liang), who are best friends. Ke-Rou is portrayed as a typical girl-next-door, friendly and sociable, while Yue-Ru is an introverted and studious person. They both attend the same school, but are in different classes. Classes are divided by academic ability, with Ke-Rou being in the lower level and Yue-Ru in the higher.

The movie starts with Ke-Rou developing a crush on a boy named Shih-Hao (Bo-lin Chen), who is a popular swimmer in their school. She and Yue-Ru watch him practice and discuss their crushes, with Ke-Rou expressing her desire to get Shih-Hao’s attention. Soon after, Yue-Ru reveals to Ke-Rou that she is a lesbian and has a crush on her. Ke-Rou is initially taken aback, but she eventually realizes she has feelings for Yue-Ru as well.

The theme of self-discovery and exploration of sexual identity is prevalent throughout the film, as Ke-Rou and Yue-Ru learn more about themselves and each other. Ke-Rou’s crush on Shih-Hao takes a backseat as the two girls explore their relationship, with Ke-Rou struggling to accept her feelings for Yue-Ru in a society that is not accepting of homosexuality.

The film explores the contrasts between the two main characters' lifestyles and personalities. Ke-Rou and her family are portrayed as being light-hearted and carefree, while Yue-Ru's family is strict and academically focused. The director uses these contrasts to highlight the difficulties in growing up and finding oneself in the face of societal pressures.

Blue Gate Crossing is a film that touches on themes of love, self-discovery, and friendship while exploring the complexities of growing up in a conservative society. The director effectively captures the awkwardness and innocence of first love, and the fear of rejection and alienation that comes with it. The movie has a slow and steady pace that allows the audience to connect with the characters and become invested in their stories.

The actors are brilliantly cast and give remarkable performances, portraying their characters in a way that feels authentic and relatable. Gwei Lun-Mei, who plays Ke-Rou, is the highlight of the movie, capturing the naivety and vulnerability of her character with ease. She brings to life the struggles of a young woman coming to terms with her sexuality, and the fear of losing the only friend who truly understands her.

Bo-lin Chen, who plays Shih-Hao, portrays a confident and outgoing character. He represents the societal norms and expectations that Ke-Rou and Yue-Ru must navigate through. However, his character is not one-dimensional, he displays his own struggles with identity and relationships as well.

Yolin Liang, who plays Yue-Ru, delivers an emotional and nuanced performance. She embodies the complexity of sexuality, navigating through a society where homosexuality is not widely accepted or understood. She portrays the fear of rejection, abandonment, and alienation that comes with being openly gay, while also struggling with her own feelings for Ke-Rou.

Overall, Blue Gate Crossing is a heartfelt and deeply moving portrayal of youth and first love that delves into the complexities of identity and societal expectations. The film offers an insightful commentary on the difficulties of growing up and the challenges faced by those discovering their identity, particularly in a society that often does not offer them an accepting environment. It is a powerful and endearing film that tackles challenging themes with sensitivity and compassion.