This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 215! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey everyone!
So I finally got around to watching “Dear Ex,” and let me just say, I’ve got a lot to unpack here. Directed by the talented duo Chih-Yen Hsu and Mag Hsu, this Taiwanese film truly brings something special to the table with its colorful blend of emotions and drama.
The story centers on three main characters: a teenager named Song Chengxi, his determined mother Liu Sanlian, and the irresistibly charismatic Jay. The drama unfolds when Chengxi’s father passes away and, surprise, leaves everything to his secret lover Jay, bypassing his own family. This revelation sends Sanlian into a tailspin of determination to confront Jay, with Chengxi caught right in the middle. We see Chengxi grappling with the loss of his father, navigating the turbulent waters of his relationship with his mother, and trying to understand his father’s secret life.
Honestly, the acting in this film is top-notch. Roy Chiu as Jay is absolutely captivating, portraying a character who is both charming and flawed. He brings a depth and vulnerability to Jay that makes you empathize with him despite his questionable choices.
Hsieh Yingxuan as Sanlian is equally brilliant. She captures the raw pain and anger of a grieving widow with such intensity that you can’t help but feel her heartbreak. And then there’s Joseph Huang as Chengxi. He delivers a remarkably mature performance for such a young actor, perfectly embodying the confusion and rebellion of adolescence.
What really sticks with you about “Dear Ex” is its refusal to offer easy answers. It explores the messiness of relationships, the secrets we keep, and how forgiveness can sometimes be found where you least expect it. Just when you think you know where things are headed, the film peels back another layer, revealing deeper motivations and hurts. It’s like trying a new dish that keeps surprising you with unexpected flavors.
The emotional depth of this film is something else. There’s a particular scene where Sanlian and Jay confront each other, and it’s so charged with raw emotion, you can’t help but feel drawn into their world.
And the film doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like homophobia, grief, and the challenges of blended families. But it handles these themes with sensitivity, offering a nuanced and ultimately hopeful perspective. The ending is particularly moving, leaving you with a bittersweet feeling of closure and a renewed appreciation for the power of love and forgiveness.
In all, “Dear Ex” is a film that challenges you to look beyond the surface of its characters and dive deep into the messy complexities of love, family, and forgiveness. It’s a beautiful story that deserves a spot on your watch list. I loved it!
Peace out, ✌️
Roger