Rebels of the Neon God (1992)
Rebels of the Taiwanese New Wave.
Presentation:
The essence of the Taiwanese New Wave boils down to rebellion, nostalgia and social reality. Tsai-Ming-liang captures all of that making it my recommendation to jump into the genre. Visually the cinematography is great. It uniquely implements high angle shots and mixes handheld with considered framing. You can really see the DNA of this film in Wong Kar Waiโs films, whom was clearly influenced by this original vision. Itโs a story of teenagers lost in a broken society but united in loneliness and struggle. This film is mostly metaphorical but it doesnโt feel like itโs trying hard to be an art house film, it just happens to be one just like French New Wave films. The film stock is quite degraded with strong halation, paired with the neon lights of Taipei urban sprawl make for a very nostalgic experience. If you like Fallen Angels, this is should be up your alley.
Analysis:
You might feel a little lost if you interpret Kangโs actions literally. Why does he stalk and ruin his life? If there is a practical explanation perhaps there is some queer relationship, which we can only draw from his sexual nature and AIDS vandalism. Otherwise I think the film should be interpreted mostly as a metaphor for Taiwanโs society where rebellious teens learn to find their way. His tiger parents are emotionally absent so he resorts to childish outbursts, alluded to by his name referencing a rebellious God. As for the other delinquent, he does petty heists and struggles to commit his love. Why is his apartment flooded? A metaphor for the mess of the youth. The ending I think is no more than a nod to Paris, Texas.
Conclusion:
This film could be considered the hallmark for Taiwan films. It most closely resembles Millenium Mambo but this is just better paced for me. If you like Taipei cinema, you really need to watch this one. It address Taiwans society from a multi-faceted angles and vibrantly so. Itโs a whole new world and will probably be your gateway to a line of many other fantastic films in the genre.
Recommendations
Every frame a painting.