Watch Yi Yi

Yi Yi is a critically acclaimed Taiwanese drama film from 2000, directed by Edward Yang. The film follows the lives of an ordinary family in Taipei over the course of one year. The central character is Jian, a young boy who is coming of age amidst the complicated relationships and personal struggles of his family members. The film opens with the wedding of Jian's aunt and uncle, which sets the stage for the themes and relationships that will be explored throughout the film. The wedding is a chaotic and emotional event, with many of the family members already grappling with their own personal issues.

Jian's father, NJ, is a successful businessman who is struggling with a midlife crisis. He becomes reacquainted with his old flame, Sherry, and begins to question the direction of his life. His wife, Min-Min, is a stay-at-home mom who is struggling with depression and the loss of her mother. She begins to find solace in religion and becomes increasingly devout over the course of the film.

Jian's grandmother, Nai-Nai, is the matriarch of the family and a source of wisdom and comfort to many of the characters. She is a traditional woman who values family and tradition above all else, but is also open to new experiences and perspectives. Her relationship with her grandson Jian is one of the film's most touching and poignant aspects.

The film also explores the lives of some of the peripheral characters, such as NJ's brother, A-Di, who is struggling with his failing marriage and the memory of his deceased son. A-Di's wife, Xiao-Yi, is a talented musician who is torn between her desire to pursue her career and her duties as a wife and mother.

The film's narrative is non-linear and often jumps between different characters and time periods. Through these various vignettes, we come to understand the complex web of relationships and emotions that make up this family's life. The film is a meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time, with a profound sense of melancholy and longing pervading many of its scenes.

The direction and cinematography of Yi Yi are masterful, with long takes and subtle camera movements creating a sense of intimacy and emotional resonance. The film is set against the backdrop of a changing Taipei, with modern buildings and technology contrasting with the traditional values of the family.

The performances in Yi Yi are uniformly excellent, with Nien-Jen Wu giving a particularly powerful turn as NJ. His portrayal of a man struggling with identity and purpose is both nuanced and heartbreaking. Elaine Jin is also excellent as Min-Min, conveying the character's emotional turmoil with subtlety and grace.

Issei Ogata's portrayal of Mr. Ota, a Japanese businessman who forms a friendship with NJ, is also noteworthy. His character provides a perspective on Japanese culture and society, and his interactions with NJ are some of the film's most memorable scenes.

Overall, Yi Yi is a stunningly beautiful and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of family, relationships, and the human experience. It is a true masterpiece of world cinema, and essential viewing for anyone interested in the art of filmmaking.

Yi Yi is a 2000 art house & international movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 54 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 94.