Three Times

The film is structured into three distinct stories, each set in a different era but connected by the actors and a recurring theme of love. The first segment, 'A Person from Hong Kong', follows a bar hostess and a boxer in 1966 Taipei. The second, 'Time for Love', is set in 2001 Taipei, focusing on a singer and a photographer. The final part, 'A Person from Shanghai', takes place in 1911, depicting a geisha and a soldier. Across these narratives, the film explores the complexities of relationships, longing, and the passage of time.

Three Times was highly acclaimed by critics for its masterful direction, poignant storytelling, and the captivating performances of its lead actors, particularly Shu Qi and Chang Chen. The film's unique structure and elegant visual style were widely praised, earning it a significant place in contemporary Taiwanese cinema.

• Praised for its elegant visual style and Hou Hsiao-hsien's assured direction.

• Shu Qi and Chang Chen deliver nuanced and compelling performances.

• The film's tripartite structure is seen as a unique and effective way to explore themes of love and time.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally highlight the film's beautiful cinematography and the emotional depth of the romantic stories. Many appreciated the subtle performances and the way the film captures different periods effectively, though some found the pacing deliberately slow.

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

The film reunites lead actors Shu Qi and Chang Chen, who had previously starred together in films like 'Millennium Mambo' and would later star together again in 'The Assassin'.