Duckweed
Duckweed

Movie spotlight

Duckweed

1981
Movie
145 min
Mandarin

The tale of a country girl who comes to Taipei with dreams of entering the entertainment industry. A 2-part TV movie and part of groundbreaking series "Eleven Women," this is Edward Yang's directorial debut.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Philip SavilleGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A middle-aged woman, trapped in a mundane suburban existence, begins to question her life choices after an unexpected encounter. As she reflects on her past and present, she navigates complex relationships and grapples with a growing sense of dissatisfaction, leading her to seek a more meaningful existence.

Critical Reception

Duckweed received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. Critics generally praised its sensitive portrayal of domestic life and strong performances, particularly from Anna Massey. However, some found its pacing to be slow and its themes somewhat familiar, leading to a less enthusiastic response from certain quarters.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its thoughtful exploration of mid-life ennui.

  • Anna Massey's performance is a standout, offering a nuanced portrayal.

  • Some viewers found the narrative to be understated to the point of being slow.

Google audience: Audience reviews for Duckweed are scarce due to its limited release and older status. Those available often highlight its quiet, character-driven narrative and Massey's performance as strengths. However, the film's deliberate pace and introspective nature may not appeal to all viewers.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the 1977 novel of the same name by Welsh author Rhys Davies.

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