Watch Goodbye South, Goodbye

Goodbye South, Goodbye is a Taiwanese film released in 1996 that was directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien. The movie’s plot revolves around three individuals - Kao, Flathead and Pretzel - and their lives in the criminal underworld. Kao is the leader of the gang and the main character of the movie. He is a young man who has grown up in a rural area in Taiwan and is tired of his mundane life. Kao orchestrates various illegal activities, such as stealing from ATMs, selling drugs and stealing cars, while also developing a love interest in Ying, a woman who owns a nightclub.

Flathead is Kao’s best friend and business partner. He takes drugs and constantly makes poor decisions. Flathead is constantly in trouble with Kao and gets into various fights throughout the movie.

Pretzel is a prostitute who becomes pregnant and is kicked out of her place of employment. She turns to Kao and Flathead for protection and support. Pretzel becomes a part of the gang and serves as their driver.

The film portrays the characters and their relationships in a realistic and raw manner. The viewer is able to witness the daily struggles of living in the criminal underworld, such as being arrested and dealing with unfriendly gang members. The characters are not portrayed as heroes, but rather as individuals trying to survive and find a better life.

Goodbye South, Goodbye is shot in a unique and mesmerizing way. The camera is often stationary, and the majority of the shots are long or medium takes. There are minimal cuts in the movie which allows the viewer to immerse themselves into the world the director has created. The movie utilizes a color palette that is muted, with shades of grey, blue and green, which further adds to the overall mood.

The soundtrack is essential to this film and is comprised of a mixture of Taiwanese pop music, instrumental pieces, and various sound effects. This combination serves to evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia for the past while the characters struggle to survive in the present.

Goodbye South, Goodbye is not your typical crime movie. It is a deeply emotional journey that depicts the lives of individuals who are trying to escape their current situation. The film shows a stark contrast between the beauty of rural Taiwan and the harsh reality of the criminal world. The characters’ frustrations are palpable, as they try to escape their current circumstances but are often held back by their lack of resources and inability to change their lives.

Overall, Goodbye South, Goodbye is a powerful and poignant film that tells an honest story of individuals living in the criminal underworld. It is a must-see for anyone interested in Taiwanese cinema or contemporary Asian movies in general.