Watch Drifting Flowers

Drifting Flowers is a 2008 Taiwanese film directed by Zero Chou, which explores the lives of three women from different age groups and backgrounds, who are struggling with their identity, love, and loss. The movie begins with a six-year-old girl, Meigo, who is struggling to cope with the loss of her mother, and who finds solace with her deaf-mute grandmother, who communicates with her through sign language. Meigo's father, who is a Taiwanese opera singer, is often away and struggles to connect with his daughter. Through Meigo's eyes, we see the beauty and pain of traditional Taiwanese opera, which is a recurring theme throughout the movie.

The second woman is Lily, a teenager who is in love with her best friend, a girl named Yen. Lily is uncertain about her sexuality and is afraid to express her feelings, as she fears social rejection. Yen, however, is more open and confident about her sexuality, but also struggles with her own family history and cultural traditions. The two girls form a musical duo, which allows them to express their emotions through music.

The third woman is an aging cabaret singer, Ching, who is struggling with her memory and the loss of her partner of 50 years. She begins to forget important details of her life and is haunted by memories of her relationship. Ching's story is particularly heartbreaking, as she is forced to confront the harsh reality of aging and mortality, and the loss of everything that she has cherished.

The three women's stories intersect in subtle and surprising ways, as they all navigate their identities and relationships. The movie is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human emotions, and the ways in which music and art can serve as a form of healing and expression.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is its use of silence and music. There are long shots of characters staring out at the sea, or lost in thought, with no dialogue. The sound of the sea or the wind replaces any spoken words, creating a contemplative and meditative atmosphere. The music, particularly the Taiwanese opera and the songs performed by Lily and Yen, adds another layer of emotion and depth to the movie. The performances are powerful and moving, and the music becomes a character in itself, representing the different moods and emotions of the characters.

The movie also touches on themes of cultural identity and tradition, particularly in the context of Taiwan's history and politics. The traditional Taiwanese opera is a symbol of cultural heritage, which is in danger of being lost in the modern world. The movie shows how the younger generation, represented by Lily and Yen, are often caught between the desire to preserve their cultural heritage and the pressure to conform to modern Western values.

Overall, Drifting Flowers is a beautiful and poignant movie, which showcases the talent of its director and actors. It is a unique and powerful portrait of women's lives, and their struggles to connect with themselves and with others. Through its exploration of music, memory, and identity, the movie invites the viewer into a contemplative and emotional journey, which leaves a deep impression long after the credits roll.