“Dear Ex” is a Taiwanese film that tells the story of a teenage boy caught in an emotional tug-of-war between his recently deceased father’s lover and his own mother. The film is a poignant exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of love. The characters are well-developed and their relationships are depicted with sensitivity and nuance. Overall, “Dear Ex” is a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted film that will leave viewers with much to ponder.
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Review
Dear Ex, a Taiwanese movie directed by Mag Hsu and Chih-Yen Hsu, is a beautiful masterpiece that symbolizes the complexity of human emotions and love. From the heartwarming storyline to the unparalleled acting quality, every aspect of this film evokes powerful emotions in its viewers.
The film’s plot revolves around three central characters: Sanlian (played by Ying-Xuan Hsieh), her teenage son, Chengxi (Mason Lee), and her late husband’s gay lover Jay (Roy Chiu). Sanlian is left devastated when her husband passes away from cancer, only to find out that he has left his life insurance to none other than his gay lover Jay. As if dealing with the loss wasn’t enough, Sanlian now has to confront her feelings towards her late husband’s relationship with Jay.
The storyline is unique and emotionally charged. It faces the taboo subjects of same-sex marriage and discrimination head-on. The direction by Mag Hsu and Chih-Yen Hsu is top-notch as they smoothly transition from one scene to another. Every scene has meaning and a message that it wants to convey.
The cast deserves special recognition for their exceptional performances in bringing these complex characters to life on screen. Ying-Xuan Hsieh delivers an emotional performance as Sanlian, portraying the inner turmoil she faces trying to come to terms with her husband’s death and Jay’s involvement in their life.
Mason Lee plays Chengxi, who takes us on a journey through his teenage years which are filled with anger, confusion, angst, and suppression towards his parents’ relationship. He brings authenticity to his character making it impossible not to feel empathy towards him.
Roy Chiu plays Jay’s character convincingly; he portrays vulnerability so beautifully well that it becomes challenging not to root for him throughout the entire movie.
The cinematography was also exceptional; every shot felt like an artwork carefully crafted. The music score remains impactful, elevating the film’s emotional impact and leaving a lasting impression. Each piece is a reflection of the character’s inner thoughts that further add to the movie’s emotional layers.
Dear Ex was honored with several awards, including Best Narrative Feature at the 2019 Taipei Film Festival and NETPAC Award at the 2018 Golden Horse Awards. These awards are well-deserved for this well-crafted film that showcases love and relationships beyond social norms.
The movie is an intricate blend of humor and tragedy. The dialogue remains authentic throughout, bringing out laughs in some scenes while tugging at our hearts in others. It tackles societal prejudices on homosexuality with humor and honesty, shedding light on how our perceptions shape our opinions.
In conclusion, Mag Hsu and Chih-Yen Hsu have created a sensitive masterpiece that explores deep human emotions reflecting the fragility of life and relationships. The film manages to keep us invested throughout, leaving us teary-eyed at some instances while providing us with an impactful message in others. Dear Ex should be on everyone’s watchlist as it serves as a reflection of human realities so respectfully and beautifully crafted in every aspect.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 99
- Release : 2018-11-02
- Genre : Drama, Comedy
- Cast : Hsieh Ying Shiuan as Liu Sanlian, Roy Chiu as Jay, Joseph Huang as Song Chengxi, Spark Chen as Song Zhengyuan, Ai-Lun Kao as Jay’s Mother
- Crew : Mag Hsu as Screenplay, Mag Hsu as Director, Chih-yen Hsu as Director, Lei Chen-ching as Editor, Shih-yuan Lu as Screenplay
- Popularity 7.628
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Dear Studio Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, MediaLink Entertainment
- Summary : When Sanlian’s ex-husband passes away, she discovers he has altered his insurance policy, cutting out their son in favor of a stranger named Jay.
- Tagline : Is hate easier to heal than love?
