陣頭 (Din Tao:Leader of the Parade) is an 2012 film out of Taiwan. The film stars Alan Ke. The rest of the ensemble cast include Crystal Lin, Alien Huang, and Samantha Ko. Cameo apperances by Esther Liu and Matilda Tao. The movie is inspired by the real life Din Tao troupe from Taichung, Taiwan called Jyou-Tian Folk Drum and Arts Group (九天民俗技藝團). Din Tao is a traditional troupe that plays during religious festivals in Taiwan.
Da and Wu-Cheng are school brothers in a Din Tao group. After years of fighting, they finally split. Da and Wu-Cheng go in very different paths. One is successful and one is on a much smaller scale. They both have sons that grow up to join the family business. However, one goes off to Taipei in search of fame in a rock band. When things don't work, he returns home. The son gets interested in the Din Tao business and integrates some "rock" antics into traditional Din Tao.
The movie was a good watch. A feel good movie with nice eye candy and a engaging story of tradition vs modern day advances. The generation gap challenges and how to keep tradition alive as well. A good watch and feel good movie.
聽見下雨的聲音 (Rhythm Of The Rain) is being released in Taipei this weekend. The movie is translated as the sound of the falling rain. A ensemble cast of different stories based around rain and love. The cast looks to include mostly pop stars from Taiwan and Zhong Guo. New and old. The cast looks to be led by Alan Kuo, Vivian Hsu, Ginnie, Ashton Chen, Josie Xu, and Zhou Mi. The locations seem to cover Taiwan, Singapore, and Thailand.
天台 (RooFToP) is being released in Taipei this weekend. The movie has Jay Chou not only staring in the movie, but behind the camera (sort of) as well. Jay also co-wrote the movie.
Here's the Fandango Synopsis, "When Gao meets his dream girl, a billboard beauty named Sian, fate takes him on a wild ride through romance, friendship, and gang rivalry, all told through enchanting melodies and stunning dance numbers".
This film is being touted as a new genre with its mix of action, dance, and "musical". Jay's also got buff for the film. If you search on images of his for this movie, he's not shy about showing his six pack.
The movie will be released by Well Go USA in a couple of weeks here in LA. I will do my darnest to make the showing.
陣頭 (Din Tao:Leader of the Parade) is released in Taipei over the weekend. The movie stars Allen Ko and Alien Huang. The movie follows two competing Din Tao (drum) troupes in rural Taichung (臺中). The the drum battles begin.
I think I am skipping this one and I doubt it'll make it to LA in DVD.
走出五月 (Goodbye May) is an upcoming film being released in Taipei in a couple of days on Friday, May 6, 2011. The movie stars Alan Kuo and Serina Fang.
Seems to be a love story between Alan Kuo and Serina Fang that includes a love story of Alan's grandparents. Influenced by music and the potential to be what you're suppose to be. The movie does look very interesting. I am in mainly because of Serina, but hey, the story looks good to.
愛到底 (L-O-V-E / Love) is a 2009 movie out of Taiwan. The movie is split up into 4 story arcs. Each arc has its own directer and stars. But none of the 4 stories are linked together. This film has been on my radar since March.
The first story arc stars Van Fan and Megan Lai. Van and Megan are celebrating their 7th year together. They recall together how they met and fell in love. In a 3 hour elevator ride. Van had a broken foot in that elevator. While at the hospital for an examination, another patient approaches him because they have the same sounding voice. The patient has 3 months to live and ask that Van calls his suicidal mother to wish her well, so that she will continue to live on. Van now has a brain tumor (assuming here) and he's going in for life threatening surgery. Van ask for the same to the ether for someone to call Megan.
The second story arc stars Blue Lan, Annie Liu, Alan Kuo, Tammy Chen, and Chie Tanaka. Annie Liu is a tour guide for the 華山 area. Blue Lan is the director for a MV shot in the area. Alan Kuo, Tammy Chen, and Chie Tanaka are there to make the MV. Annie Liu and Alan strike up a friendly relationship. To Blue's distaste. Blue confronts Annie and ask her why she's ignoring him. Annie doesn't remember him and the love triangle is officially started. We later find out that Annie and Blue were together 3 years ago. But three years ago, they split and Annie gets into an car accident and loses some of her memory. Including all of her memory of Blue.
The third story arc stars Ethan Ruan and Alice Tzeng. This arc is hard to describe as it doesn't have a story. It is about a couple that are at a crossroads in their relationship. One is more mature and one is less. When will the less mature be ready to grow to the same level?
The forth story arc stars mainly Tracy Chou. The rest of the crew is like a who's who of the Taiwan entertainment industry. Many many cameos. The story arc is also hard to describe because it has a storyline, but an exaggerated one. The premise is comedic in nature. This arc doesn't have the feel of the other 3 and is the most light hearted.
Should you watch it? Yes. It was a well made film that presents love in 4 very different view points. Can they stand along on their own? Probably not. But as a premise of the title of the film goes, love to the end (愛到底), with all 4 stacked together, you get the point.
I am looking forward to it. Seems to be a episodic movie about 4 different love stories.
It has a star studded cast from past and present. I wish it the best of luck in Taiwan and aboard in the Asia region. I also hope for a version on the US shores by the end of the month that's in good quality.
