What Time Is It There?

A young man named Hsiao-kang is sent to New York City to work for his father, but he becomes infatuated with a woman he calls 'the moon' whom he meets on his travels. He communicates with his father back in Taipei through phone calls, and learns about his father's declining health and his mother's quiet acceptance of the situation. The film interweaves their stories, exploring themes of connection, displacement, and the passage of time.

Edward Yang's "What Time Is It There?" was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its poignant exploration of human connection, loneliness, and cultural dislocation in the digital age. Critics praised Yang's distinctive visual style, nuanced character development, and his ability to weave together disparate narrative threads into a cohesive and emotionally resonant whole. The film was seen as a significant achievement in contemporary Taiwanese cinema.

• A visually stunning and emotionally rich exploration of urban alienation and the search for connection.

• Yang masterfully balances intimate character studies with broader societal observations.

• The film's deliberate pacing and contemplative mood invite deep reflection on time and distance.

Google audience: Google users frequently praise the film's artistic direction and the evocative storytelling that captures the essence of modern life and human relationships. Many appreciate the film's ability to convey complex emotions without overt exposition, finding it both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival.

Edward Yang, known for his meticulous filmmaking process, spent years developing "What Time Is It There?", drawing inspiration from his own experiences and observations of Taipei and New York City.