Yi Yi
Everything in the movie feels so authentic and raw that you forget you're even watching something. The way Edward Yang uses long takes, brilliant framing, and reflective imagery is masterful. He takes a bold approach that pays off completely.
There’s just something about these existential films that ask, “Is this all life is?”—they always make me emotional. What makes this one so perfect for me, beyond everything else, is the dialogue paired with the overall atmosphere.
Beyond the quotes, the performances are stunningly natural and realistic, fitting beautifully into Yang’s vision. I was deeply moved by NJ’s interactions with both Ota and Yang-Yang. One particularly moving scene involves Ota playing piano and connecting with NJ—it was filled with subtle emotional weight. Seeing people cheer for Ota, even the bartender, reminded me of the movie Life is Beautiful.