Good Men, Good Women (1995)

Synopsis: The final chapter of Hou Hsiao-Hsien's historical trilogy (which also includes A CITY OF SADNESS and THE PUPPETMASTER) stars Annie Shizuka Inoh in a dual role as real-life historical figure Chiang... The final chapter of Hou Hsiao-Hsien's historical trilogy (which also includes A CITY OF SADNESS and THE PUPPETMASTER) stars Annie Shizuka Inoh in a dual role as real-life historical figure Chiang Bi-Yu (who was an anti-Japanese resistance fighter) and Liang Ching, an actress who is preparing to play her in a film. As Liang gets further involved in the role and the details of Chiang's tumultuous life (parts of which are shown throughout), she must also deal with the problems of her own life. Liang receives anonymous phone calls from someone who faxes her pages of her stolen diaries: pages that remind her of her troubled days as a drug-addicted barmaid, and the death of her lover, Ah Wei, a small-time crook killed by his business rivals. The film's narrative journeys through different time periods, lives, and realities, which serves to compare and contrast the past and present. Hou deftly handles the complicated narrative shifts through the use of bold color schemes, black and white footage, and lack of synchronous sound. A complex film that requires the viewer's active attention, GOOD MEN, GOOD WOMEN is an invigorating, satisfying cinematic experience that explores the meaning and importance of ideals, character, memory, and love. [More]

Starring: Annie Shizuka Inoh, Giong Lim, Jack Kao, Vicki Zhao

Starring: Annie Shizuka Inoh, Giong Lim, Jack Kao, Vicki Zhao

Director: Hou Hsaio-Hsien, Kazuyoshi Okuyama

Director: Hou Hsaio-Hsien
Screenwriter: Tien-Wen Chu
Producer: Katsuhiro Mizuno, Shozo Ichiyama, Jian-Wen King, Ben Hsieh
Director: Kazuyoshi Okuyama
Composer: Hwai-En Chen, Hsiao-Wen Chiang

[See More Credits]