My first time watching Au Revoir Taipei was at my parents’ home. My mom and brother were in another area of the house, busy dealing with flight bookings for my brother’s trip to Hong Kong. So I felt it was the perfect time to sit down and relax while watching this unconventional Taiwanese comedy. Suddenly, my dad walked in and sat on the couch next to me. He asked, “What are you watching?” I answered, “Au Revoir Taipei. It’s a Taiwanese film. I’m not sure if you’d like it.” He didn’t get up to leave, but rather got very comfortable on the couch, lying down. Shock!
Let me paint a picture of my dad: a burly, Serbian man, who is a serious Phys. Ed. teacher, and whose favourite film and TV genre is gangster crime. Now, this image doesn’t exactly scream, “I love Asian romantic comedies!” However, his tough exterior is a complete ruse; he is a pretty big softy on the inside and a complete kid at heart. His playfulness is apparent in his work – in order to be a successful elementary school teacher, you have to be just as lively as the children you teach.
So, much to my surprise:
1) He did not fall asleep during the film (as he usually would watching almost anything).
2) He was fully engaged, even going so far as to make his own suggestions on what the protagonist should do (my dad is also a secret romantic).
3) He wanted to know more about Taipei as a city, separate from the beautiful film we just watched together.
If my rugged Serbian father hasn’t convinced you on watching this film, then I don’t know what will. It was definitely a bonding experience for him and I. My dad got to learn more about the things that I am passionate about, and he really understood first-hand why Asian films are so great! This film will make you laugh, gasp, and it will surely melt your heart; just as it made mine, while seeing my dad’s genuine reactions to all the wonderful ups and downs of the quirky world of “Au Revoir Taipei.”
AU REVOIR TAIPEI will be playing at the TIFF Bell Lightbox on Thursday August 25th at 6PM. Tickets are available here!
Milica and her dad doing the dance from Au Revoir Taipei
Written by Milica Dodic, Programming & Events Coordinator.