Taiwan’s celebrated director, Tsai Ming-liang, is set to inspire a unique New Year’s Eve tribute to his landmark 1994 film Vive l’amour (愛情萬歲). A special event, inspired by one of the most iconic scenes in Taiwanese cinema, will take place at Daan Park in Taipei. This special event marks the 30th anniversary of Vive l’amour, a film that won the prestigious Gold Lion at the Venice Film Festival.
The tribute event will take place on December 31, 2024, with a public screening of the film followed by a symbolic New Year’s countdown. The event promises to be a cultural highlight, blending the art of cinema with a collective, emotional experience.
The Iconic ‘Crying Scene’ from Vive l’amour
Vive l’amour, one of Tsai Ming-liang’s most celebrated works, ends with a poignant and deeply emotional scene. The film’s main actress, Yang Kuei-mei, is seen walking alone to Daan Park — then still under construction — and breaking down in tears on a bench as she watches the early morning hours of New Year’s Day unfold. This scene, lasting nearly seven minutes, captures a raw moment of solitude and despair, a powerful depiction of the film’s themes of loneliness and unrequited love.
For film enthusiasts, this moment has become iconic, marking a turning point in Taiwanese cinema. Tsai’s innovative narrative style and his focus on quiet, deeply introspective moments of human emotion became defining characteristics of his work. This “crying scene” has left a lasting impact on many, symbolizing not only the film’s central themes but also the director’s unique approach to storytelling.
The ‘Cry’ Event: A Special 30th Anniversary Tribute
This year, the Vive l’amour tribute will be expanded into a full New Year’s Eve event, reflecting the film’s lasting influence. The Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI), in collaboration with Tsai Ming-liang and the movie’s cast, will host this special celebration.
Event Highlights:
- Screening of Vive l’amour:
The event will begin with a public screening of Vive l’amour at Daan Park’s outdoor stage at 9:45 p.m. on December 31. The screening will include both Chinese and English subtitles for broader accessibility. - The ‘Cry’ Moment:
Following the film, attendees will be invited to participate in the ‘Cry’ event, inspired by the film’s emotional finale. This will culminate in a group countdown to 2025, accompanied by Tsai Ming-liang, actress Yang Kuei-mei, and actor Lee Kang-sheng, all of whom starred in the film. - Special Guests:
Tsai Ming-liang, Yang Kuei-mei, and Lee Kang-sheng will be present, making it a unique opportunity for fans of Taiwanese cinema to interact with the director and cast. Tsai was moved by a similar tribute organized by netizens last year, which inspired this year’s expanded event.
Why Daan Park?
Daan Park, which features prominently in the film, holds a special place in Tsai Ming-liang’s heart. The park, still under construction when Vive l’amour was filmed, is now a fully developed landmark in Taipei. This setting provides a poignant backdrop for the event, bringing the film’s emotional resonance to life in the very place where one of its most memorable scenes took place.
Event Details:
| Event | Date & Time | Location | Special Guests | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vive l’amour Screening | December 31, 9:45 p.m. | Daan Park, Taipei | Tsai Ming-liang, Yang Kuei-mei, Lee Kang-sheng | Free Admission |
| New Year’s Countdown | December 31, 11:55 p.m. | Daan Park, Taipei | Tsai Ming-liang, Yang Kuei-mei, Lee Kang-sheng | Free Admission |
Tsai Ming-liang: A Visionary of Taiwanese Cinema
Tsai Ming-liang, born in Malaysia in 1957, has been a central figure in Taiwan’s film industry for nearly five decades. Known for his minimalist style and focus on human emotions, Tsai has earned critical acclaim worldwide. Vive l’amour remains one of his most significant achievements, having won the Gold Lion at the Venice Film Festival in 1994. His other works, such as The River (河流) and The Hole (洞), further cemented his reputation as one of Asia’s most innovative filmmakers.
FAQs:
1. What is the ‘Cry’ event, and why is it significant?
The ‘Cry’ event is inspired by the famous crying scene from Tsai Ming-liang’s 1994 film Vive l’amour, which is set in Taipei’s Daan Park. The event includes a screening of the film, followed by a symbolic ‘crying’ moment and a New Year’s countdown with Tsai and the film’s cast. It marks the 30th anniversary of the movie and celebrates its cultural impact.
2. When and where will the event be held?
The event will take place on December 31, 2024, at Daan Park in Taipei. The movie screening begins at 9:45 p.m., followed by the New Year’s Eve countdown.
3. Is the event free to attend?
Yes, the event is free of charge and open to the public.
4. Will the movie be shown with subtitles?
Yes, the screening of Vive l’amour will include both Chinese and English subtitles to accommodate a diverse audience.
5. Who are the special guests at the event?
Tsai Ming-liang, Yang Kuei-mei, and Lee Kang-sheng, the stars of Vive l’amour, will be attending the event and participating in the New Year’s countdown.
