A Time to Live and a Time to Die (1985)

Synopsis: Hou Hsaio-Hsien (THE PUPPETMASTER) directed this semi-autobiographical film, drawing on his childhood experiences when his family relocated to Taiwan from China. Spanning the years 1947-1960, the... Hou Hsaio-Hsien (THE PUPPETMASTER) directed this semi-autobiographical film, drawing on his childhood experiences when his family relocated to Taiwan from China. Spanning the years 1947-1960, the film follows the maturation of Ah-ha as he and his family cope with the shock of leaving their homeland. Having been only a child during the move, Ah-ha quickly acclimates himself to the new country, often putting him at odds with his more traditional family. However, Ah-ha's eccentric and slightly batty grandmother dotes over him, and often regales him with her tales of China and her desire to return there. As he grows up, Ah-ha becomes something of a rebel, joining a street gang and ignoring school until his attraction to a girl forces him to devote more attention to his studies. When Ah-ha's father dies, it forces he and the family to realize how permanent their relocation is, and how much pain it has caused his family. A lush tone poem that at once celebrates and mourns the trials of a family of Chinese emigrants, A TIME TO LIVE AND A TIME TO DIE is a thoughtful meditation on how the history of a country and the life of a family are intertwined. [More]

Director: Hou Hsaio-Hsien

Director: Hou Hsaio-Hsien