Watch The Wayward Cloud

The Wayward Cloud is a Taiwanese film released in 2005. Directed by Tsai Ming-liang, the film stars Kang-sheng Lee, Shiang-chyi Chen, and Yi-Ching Lu. It is a surreal and quirky exploration of sex, love, and loneliness in the modern world. The movie begins with a young man named Hsiao-Kang (played by Kang-sheng Lee) returning to Taipei after serving in the military. He struggles to adjust to civilian life and find a job, but eventually lands a gig as a pornographic film actor.

Meanwhile, Hsiao-Kang's former lover, Shiang-chyi (played by Shiang-chyi Chen), is trying to make sense of her own life. She is working as a saleswoman in the city, but is lonely and unhappy.

As the two navigate their way through the bustling city, they wind up on a film set where Hsiao-Kang is shooting a scene with a new co-star, played by Yi-Ching Lu. Shiang-chyi is shocked to discover what Hsiao-Kang is doing for a living, but becomes increasingly drawn to Yi-Ching's character.

The rest of the film is a strange and dreamlike exploration of the characters' desires and fears. Hsiao-Kang becomes obsessed with finding watermelons, which he believes will help him reconnect with his father. Shiang-chyi begins a strange relationship with Yi-Ching, which involves lots of singing and dancing on watermelon farms.

Throughout it all, Tsai Ming-liang's dry humor and deadpan style keep the film from taking itself too seriously. The Wayward Cloud tackles serious themes like loneliness and sexual desire, but never loses sight of its surreal, comic sensibility.

One of the film's strengths is its use of color and composition. Tsai Ming-liang is known for his striking visuals, and The Wayward Cloud is no exception. The film is full of bold, bright colors, which contrast sharply with the bleak urban landscape. The watermelon imagery is particularly memorable, with the bright pink fruit popping up in unexpected places throughout the film.

In addition, the film makes excellent use of music and sound. The soundtrack is a mix of catchy pop songs and moody instrumental pieces, and the sound design is intricate and evocative. The film is full of strange, unexpected noises, like the sound of a watermelon being smashed or the hum of an air conditioning unit.

Another standout feature of The Wayward Cloud is the performances. Kang-sheng Lee is a veteran of Tsai Ming-liang's films, and he brings a quiet intensity to his role as Hsiao-Kang. Shiang-chyi Chen and Yi-Ching Lu are also excellent, bringing depth and nuance to their complicated characters.

Overall, The Wayward Cloud is a unique and memorable film. It takes risks and pushes boundaries, but never feels gratuitous or exploitative. Tsai Ming-liang manages to create something that is both funny and poignant, strange and beautiful. If you're looking for something a little offbeat and thought-provoking, The Wayward Cloud is definitely worth checking out.