Watch The Sandwich Man

The Sandwich Man is a heartwarming and humorous Taiwanese film released in 1983. The story is set in Taipei and follows the life of a sandwich vendor who traverses the bustling city streets selling sandwiches and soups. The central character, played by Bor-Jeng Chen, is a poor man who works tirelessly to make ends meet. He is often seen riding his bicycle loaded with food, wearing a sandwich board that advertises his products, and striking up conversations with those he encounters. Through his sales, he meets and interacts with various people from different walks of life, each reflecting a different facet of Taiwanese society.

As he makes his way through the city, he finds himself weaving in and out of various comedic and poignant scenarios. He encounters a group of schoolgirls, a group of construction workers, a businessman, a truck driver, and many other diverse characters. Each of them has a unique and personal story that the protagonist tries to piece together through short conversations.

The Sandwich Man is a heartwarming film that tells the story of the everyday struggles of working-class people. The protagonist's life is not an easy one, but he takes on the challenges with a positive attitude and a smile. The director of the film, Hou Hsiao-hsien, does an excellent job of capturing the vibrant energy of Taiwan's streets while delving into the complexities of the city's inhabitants.

The film explores various themes, including the struggle for survival, poverty, social class, and the complexities of the Taipei lifestyle. Through the protagonist's experiences, the viewer is taken on a journey of self-discovery and empathy.

In addition to the great storyline, the movie's visual and auditory aspects are also remarkable. The director uses a series of long uninterrupted shots to capture the hustle and bustle of Taiwan's streets, giving the viewer a taste of the city's atmosphere. The camera work is masterful, often capturing the action from a distance, but never losing sight of the essential elements of each scene.

The use of diegetic music is also noteworthy. Rather than using background music, the director uses the noises of the city as the soundtrack, such as car horns and construction noises. This technique adds to the realism of the film, making it feel as though the viewer is part of the scene.

Overall, The Sandwich Man is a must-see film for anyone interested in Taiwanese cinema or anyone looking for an uplifting and thought-provoking story. The creative concept, unique cinematography, and meaningful storytelling are what makes this movie stand out amongst others. It offers a glimpse into Taiwanese culture and will leave viewers with a new perspective on the world around us.