Yi Yi is a film of stunning visual beauty, narrative depth, and quiet reflection. For someone unfamiliar with Edward Yang’s work, its complexity and beauty can be an unexpected revelation. Yang’s mastery of framing, light, and color is unmatched, but what truly stands out is how he weaves these elements with a deeper understanding of life’s intricacies.

At first glance, Yi Yi feels like a calm and serene film—a work by a director who has let go of youthful anger and found inner peace. However, a closer look reveals a much more layered experience. Yang masterfully balances a wide range of emotions, never letting one overshadow the others.

What makes Yi Yi truly remarkable is how it captures a universal feeling: that despite differences in culture, time, or place, you’re witnessing something entirely unique. At its core, the film is about the search for connection, understanding, and meaning in life’s chaotic yet poetic rhythm. It doesn’t provide easy answers but instead invites you to reflect on your own relationships and experiences.