Yi Yi
Watched with commentary from Edward Yang and Tony Rayns.
This is the first time I’ve seen a movie with commentary and it doesn’t so much enhance it as much as give a completely different experience, still a fantastic one. Plus, you can’t enhance something that’s already perfect.
It’s clear how Yang knew exactly what he wanted to make. Some of the most memorable aspects of the film weren’t even planned until it just happened and Yang was able to turn it into something extraordinary. Specifically they highlight how the motif of reflections wasn’t planned but Yang realized while filming how reflections can capture so much more than just the subjects, so he made it a recurring theme. And it ended up making the movie that much more special.
It’s heartbreaking to listen to the commentary and realize that Yang wanted to do more. He specifically mentioned how he wanted to work more with Nien-Jen Wu. Yi Yi ended up being Yang’s last movie as he spent the years 2000-2007 fighting colon cancer. It’s a shame he’s gone, especially considering how much he still had left in him. But if there’s anything to leave behind before death, it’s pretty special to be something so life affirming.