The Films of Edward Yang: Conversations with a Friend

‘Making films is not merely about retelling dreams, but to give life to dreams so that they resemble reality closely.’
– Edward Yang

A key player of Taiwan New Cinema in the 1980s, Edward Yang was a gifted director and a true visionary pioneer. Throughout his tragically short life, the computer-engineer-turned filmmaker created seven distinctive feature films which sharply illuminated the intricacies of urban life in Taiwan. This retrospective season offers a glimpse into Yang’s singular artistic vision as well as the effervescent creativity of his circle of friends, notably the filmmakers Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Wu Nien-jen. We invite you to step into Yang’s cinematic world and celebrate the everyday, full of absurdity and anxiety but also optimism and love.

Hyun Jin Cho, season programmer

With thanks to

Janus Films, Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute.

Taipei Story

Hou Hsiao-hsien collaborated on the screenplay with and starred in Edward Yang’s second feature.

The Terrorisers

A compelling tapestry of city lives that revolves around one incident.

A Brighter Summer Day

The first of Edward Yang’s two undisputed masterpieces – a crime drama and coming-of-age tale that unfolds in late 1950s Taipei.

A Confucian Confusion

A sardonic portrait of a Taipei overrun by a generation of money-obsessed go-getters.

Mahjong

A crime caper revolving around three inept youths with dreams of making it big.

A One and a Two...

Edward Yang’s second masterpiece, after A Brighter Summer Day, is a beautifully observed, wry and involving portrait of family life.

A One and a Two... + intro by season programmer Hyun Jin Cho

Edward Yang’s second masterpiece, after A Brighter Summer Day, is a beautifully observed, wry and involving portrait of family life.

Want more?

See the April guide for details of our Taiwan New Cinema season, which will include further screenings of That Day, at the Beach, Taipei Story and The Terrorisers.

We were hoping to screen That Day, at the Beach as part of the Edward Yang season. However, due to unresolved rights issues this title is unavailable. We apologise for any disappointment caused.