Riding the Breeze
Riding the Breeze

Riding the Breeze

2014Movie93 minJapanese

At 26, editor Kazama Aiko has reached dead ends in both her lovelife and career. She visits Taiwan to cover a cycling event, and meets a young Taiwanese woman named Tonton, who dreams of becoming a model. They eventually set off together on a cycling trip through Taiwan.

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IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users88%
Director: Shu-Fen ChenGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In the picturesque Taiwanese countryside, a young woman named Xiaowei returns to her family's tea plantation after a period away. She reconnects with her childhood sweetheart, Ah-Sheng, who has taken over the farm. As they navigate their rekindled feelings and the challenges of preserving their heritage, they confront past misunderstandings and the pressures of modern life. Their journey is intertwined with the serene beauty of the landscape and the aroma of freshly brewed tea.

Critical Reception

Riding the Breeze was generally well-received by critics, particularly for its stunning cinematography and heartfelt performances. Audiences appreciated its gentle pacing and focus on themes of love, tradition, and the beauty of rural life. Some critics noted its slow burn narrative, but most found it to be a poignant and visually rich cinematic experience.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its breathtaking visual style and evocative portrayal of Taiwanese landscapes.
  • Applauded for its sensitive exploration of romance and familial duty.
  • Noted for a deliberately slow pace that allows for immersion in the characters' emotional journeys.

Google audience: Google users frequently complimented the film's beautiful scenery and the authentic portrayal of rural Taiwanese life. Many found the romantic storyline touching and relatable, appreciating the film's calm and reflective atmosphere. Some users, however, felt the plot was too simple or underdeveloped, while others desired more dynamic pacing.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Cinematography at the Golden Horse Awards.

Fun Fact

The film extensively features the traditional process of tea cultivation and harvesting, with many scenes shot on active tea plantations.

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