Hey there, friends!
So, last night’s movie du jour was “Eternal Summer” (2006), a Taiwanese drama that’s more bittersweet than sunshine-and-rainbows. This one’s got some serious emotional depth and it’s definitely not a light, summer movie.
It’s a Taiwanese drama that explores the tangled lives of three high school students – Jonathan, Shane, and Carrie. The story kicks off with Jonathan and Shane being best buds since forever. Shane is that classic bad boy with a heart of gold (think James Dean vibes, but with more angst), while Jonathan is the responsible, quiet type who seems to be everyone’s rock. They balance each other out in this perfectly imperfect way. Enter Carrie, the new girl who’s all artsy and full of life. She shakes things up and becomes this third wheel that neither of the boys knew they needed.
What’s fascinating about this movie is how it tackles the theme of unrequited love and identity. You know, those feelings you had in high school that felt like the end of the world? Yep, all that messy, beautiful stuff. Shane is super popular with the ladies but doesn’t really connect with anyone except Jonathan.
Meanwhile, Jonathan’s harboring a secret, super intense crush on Shane, which complicates things like a cat deciding to nap on your keyboard just as you’re about to hit “send” on an important email. Carrie, on the other hand, falls for Shane too, but she senses that Jonathan’s feelings for Shane go beyond friendship.
The actors, oh my gosh. Joseph Chang plays Shane, and he’s just spot-on with the whole troubled yet charming act. Bryant Chang, who plays Jonathan, gives such a nuanced performance that you can almost feel his internal struggle. And Kate Yeung as Carrie is like this breath of fresh air – she’s vibrant and brings this lightness to the heavier moments of the film.
“Eternal Summer” was one of the first mainstream Taiwanese films to tackle same-sex love so explicitly, and it does so with a delicate touch. It’s not preachy or sensationalized; instead, it’s a nuanced exploration of love, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. ❤️
It’s also worth mentioning that the film’s cinematography is stunning. The lush landscapes of the coastal town serve as a beautiful backdrop to the emotional turmoil of the characters. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a mix of melancholic tunes and upbeat pop songs that perfectly capture the mood of each scene.
One thing’s for sure: this movie isn’t afraid to delve into the messy realities of life. It’s not all sunshine and roses, but that’s what makes it so compelling. It’s a reminder that love can be messy, complicated, and sometimes even painful. But it’s also a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the importance of staying true to yourself.
So, if you’re in the mood for a movie that’s equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking (well, actually….it was more heartbreaking than heartwarming), give “Eternal Summer” a watch. Just keep some tissues handy – you might need them.
Cheers!
Roger