What Time Is It There? (2002)

Synopsis: A lonely street vendor, Hsiao Kang (Lee Kang-Sheng), sells watches near a Taipei subway stop. The death of his father (Miao Tien) furthers his isolation as his widowed mother (Lu Yi-Chang) slips into an unhealthy mourning, hoping her dead... A lonely street vendor, Hsiao Kang (Lee Kang-Sheng), sells watches near a Taipei subway stop. The death of his father (Miao Tien) furthers his isolation as his widowed mother (Lu Yi-Chang) slips into an unhealthy mourning, hoping her dead husband's spirit will return to her. The street vendor encounters a woman (Chen Shiang-Chyi) seeking a watch for a trip to Paris--one that can display both Taipei time and Paris time. Unimpressed with his watch selection, the woman persistently attempts to buy the watch off the young man's wrist. After acquiescing, the woman presents him with a token gift that shines a loving light into the street vendor's dreary, solitary life. Unable to stop thinking about his obstinate customer, the vendor begins obsessively changing every clock he sees to Paris time, beginning with his own watches and culminating with gigantic clocks atop skyscrapers. His customer, meanwhile, endures a rather lonesome and difficult Parisian vacation. Writer/director Tsai Ming-Liang (THE RIVER; THE HOLE) meditates on obsession and loneliness with this enchanting unrequited romance that combines elements of deep sorrow and ridiculous slapstick comedy. The film makes great use of his strengths such as the lack of musical score and long, often comedic, takes. Jean-Pierre Léaud joins Ming-Liang's usual ensemble in a memorable cameo. [More]

Starring: Lee Kang-Sheng, Chen Shiang-Chyi, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Lu Yi-Cheng

Starring: Lee Kang-Sheng, Chen Shiang-Chyi, Jean-Pierre Léaud, Lu Yi-Cheng, Tien Miao, Chen Chao-Jung, Cecilia Yip

Director: Tsai Ming-Liang

Director: Tsai Ming-Liang
Screenwriter: Pi-Ying Yang, Tsai Ming-Liang
Producer: Bruno Pesery
Studio: Winstar

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