The New Dragon Inn

In a near-future Taipei, a man struggles to maintain a dying inn amidst a world grappling with a mysterious pandemic. As the inn becomes a refuge for a few isolated souls, themes of loneliness, connection, and the search for meaning in a changed world unfold. The film offers a contemplative look at human resilience and the quiet dignity found in everyday survival.

The New Dragon Inn received a mix of critical acclaim and audience contemplation, praised for its distinctive directorial style and atmospheric portrayal of a society in flux. While some found its slow pace and ambiguous narrative challenging, many critics lauded its artistic merit and emotional depth, recognizing it as a significant work in Tsai Ming-liang's filmography.

• Visually striking and profoundly melancholic.

• A slow-burn exploration of isolation and human connection.

• Tsai Ming-liang's signature minimalist and contemplative style is on full display.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's unique atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, with many appreciating its artistic vision and emotional resonance. Some viewers found the deliberate pacing to be a barrier, but the majority lauded its powerful portrayal of human endurance and the search for solace.

Nominated for Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival. Won Best Director at the Taipei Film Festival.

The film's deliberate use of long takes and minimal dialogue is a hallmark of director Tsai Ming-liang's established cinematic language, emphasizing visual storytelling and the evocation of mood over conventional plot progression.