Hou Xiaoxian's "Tragic Trilogy"
The "Tragic Trilogy" is not only Hou Hsiao-hsien's masterpiece, but also plays a pivotal role in the entire history of Taiwanese cinema.
Through the stories of small people, Hou Xiaoxian depicts the social changes in Taiwan's history in the last century. There is both his unique aesthetic style and deep thinking about history.
"Drama Dream Life": Through the dictation of a folk artist, it shows his ups and downs and tragic life course in the 50-year-long Japanese opera era.
"City of Sorrows": It records one of the most painful memories of Taiwan's modern history: the scars inflicted on the people of Taiwan by the "February 28" incident.
Through the tragic fate of a family, it reflects the helplessness of small people being wrapped up in the torrent of the big times.
"Good Man and Good Woman": Using the technique of drama within a play, it tells the different fates of a group of progressive intellectuals in Taiwan.
The main characters in the film are real and historically based, and they look even more sad and desolate.
Hou Xiaoxian tells us with images that it is often a few people who change history, and more people who have tried their best to survive in the historical changes.