I am well aware that I should have reviewed this taiwanese masterpiece many months ago. The truth is that I was afraid that I would not be able to find the right words in order to convey its magnificence.
The film is based on the true story of Chang Jia Han (Edward Chen) and "Birdy" (Tseng Jing Hua) who attend a Christian high school. Their dramatic love story takes place in 1987 when Taiwan undergoes major political changes and homosexuality is not an issue that society could accept without condemnation. Therefore, when the two students realize their feelings, the idea of a relationship is against every social norm. Especially for Birdy who makes great efforts to deny his true self. Ji Han on the other hand is ready to sacrifice everything for this love but Birdy makes it impossible.
The genre of this movie is of no importance, whether it is BL or LGBTQ. The important thing is that Liu Kuang Hui has created a masterpiece from every aspect. Cinematography, acting, music, photography...
Both actors are simply breathtaking! Their love scene is a realistic and passionate work of art. Music is magical and makes the already dramatic scenes more powerful and more meaningful. Especially the scene with Ji Han's pleading in the phonebooth is a moment that has been "engraved" in my ears and in my heart. Strong emotions, nostalgic scenery and heart wrenching moments....I cannot imagine how someone could not appreciate this film. I loved it despite the sad and heartbreaking scenes, and I rank it as the best 2020 asian movie I have watched.