A Brighter Summer Day (1991) - full transcript

Fine. I understand.

We doctors should show
a charitable spirit.

I told my father
about the medical expenses.

He understands
your financial situation.

There's no need to worry.

- Thank you.
- Don't mention it.

It appears her problem
is only partly physical.

Let her rest here a few days.

I'll take good care of her.

They all say Honey
was killed by the 217s,

but the newspapers say
it was a traffic accident.



Some people say he's AWOL
from the military.

Didn't he go back south?

Stop nagging!
It's none of your business!

Tell me. I made a bet
that the news was wrong.

How could he go AWOL?

Didn't you see it happen, Ma?

None of your fucking business!
Quit shooting off your mouth!

I'll beat the shit out of you.

Let's go. Time for class.

Already?

I've gotta go to the bathroom.

Why don't you go between classes?

I've been looking for you for days.
You didn't come to class.

Were you sick?



I thought he went back south.

Before leaving Taipei...

he left me the address
of his hideout.

I was planning to go see him.

He even laughed at me...

for being so worried.

It was strange.

For many days
while I lay sick in bed,

I couldn't recall Honey's face.

I was scared and confused.

Ming, don't be afraid!
You have to be brave!

I'm with you.
You needn't be afraid!

I'll always be with you!
I'll be your friend forever!

I'll protect you.

I don't need anyone's help.
No one can help anyway.

Hey, it's Ming! By herself.

- You got ideas?
- Shit! I wouldn't dare.

Hey, look.

Still blame me
for your leg injury?

- Wasn't Tiger going out with her?
- She's not talking to him.

Here he comes.

Weren't you going out with her?

Honey's dead.

Now she's anyone's game...

but I don't think
you stand much of a chance.

Honey's no problem,
dead or alive.

The idiot acted like
an arrogant prick at the concert.

He wasn't hit by no car.
The 217 boys let him have it.

You got something to say?

Goddamn it!

Hurry up
or I'll miss the last bus.

Take it easy.
I'll give you a ride.

Think I'll fall for that again?

Try throwing it
at me again, boy.

Look at this guy.

Is he for real?

I guess so.

Think it over.
Don't feel pressured.

I've got to go. it's late.

Getting Si'r transferred
to day school

is complicated.

I thought I could talk
my way through it

so he wouldn't have to take
the transfer exams.

I'll try my friends
on the Board of Education again.

Thanks a lot.

I'm still working
on your teaching certificate.

It'll take some time.

Good-bye.

How could he ask me
for a favor like that?

Try to just play along-

Don't be too hardheaded.

Don't let it get to you.

Try not to make enemies.

This isn't Shanghai,

where you had
Professor Hsia to back you up.

Being stubborn
won't make you any friends.

This time
it's the new office furniture.

Next time it'll be
the new building contract.

There'll be no end to it.

Haven't you figured him out yet?

You're the last person on his list.

God knows
how many others are involved.

What do you women know?

He must have his own problems.
I'll try to talk to him.

Are you crazy?
MING CAME TO SCHOOL TODAY, BUT...

Why'd you have to take him on?

Let's go find him.
We'll try the basketball court.

Shit! What's that?

- Follow me if you have the balls.
- It's suicide, man!

Suicide? I'll show them!

Take that!

And that!

It's useless.

This knife is for girls.

They'll laugh at you.

Where'd you get it?

In the attic,
with all the rest of it.

Cool it.
Stick to your tapes.

I've got an idea.
Let's get Ma's help.

Sh, you guys are dose.

Why ask other people
for favors?

We gotta get revenge,
damn it!

At least borrow
his samurai sword.

What's up?

That's what I want to know.

Cat said you wanted me.

No, I didn't.

Why the long face?

Is it a girl?

No.

I told you it wasn't that.

Getting worked up
over some chick looks bad.

Understand?

Look what happened to Honey.

Everyone on the street
was scared of him.

Then, all because
of some chick, he ends up -

Is it Tiger?

No.

That's good.

Load it.

Now hold on tight and aim up.

Go on.

Feels great, huh?

Unload and put in a new one.

Go over there, man.

Shit, I'm showing you
a good time!

Well?

Did you get a kiss out of her?

All this and not even a kiss?

She wouldn't let you?

Go on.

Take Jade around back.

Hurry UP-

She won't mind.

Shit! What is this?

I'm bending over backwards
for you, and you -

Forget it.

Dumplings and buns!

Si'r, where are you going?

Won't even answer!

Little punk!
Watch where you're going!

I love the night...

She's always nagging!

I can't stand her nagging!

Tough shit!

You again?
Working extra hours?

Making some money?

Every penny counts.

Why make so much?
Saving it for a wife?

Not one like yours.
You can't even drink at home.

What are you doing?
Don't act like a hooligan!

Don't come near me!

Sergeant Chad.!

- What is it?
- Come quick!

Another heart attack.
Take it easy.

You sure are heavy.

I was afraid you'd have trouble
finding this place.

Xiao Si'r.

Let's kill Mao Zedong!
Skin Zhou Enlai!

Let's take back the mainland!

Horsecart!

How many vehicles you got?
- Plenty.

You gotta be careful.

You trust the drivers?
- They're all our people.

Good.

Who's that kid?
- He's with me.

Why'd you turn it off?

I didn't.

It took forever to tune.

Now I have to start all over.

Why'd you use
my comic books?

I looked all over for them.

You know how long
it takes to tune this?

Go get it fixed, will you?

LITTLE PARK ICE CREAM PARLOR

What are you doing?

- Damn you, Blind Man!
- Goddamn it!

Go to hell!

Selfish bastard!

You took advantage of me!

Take your records with you!

I don't want them!

You'll be sorry when I'm dead!

You no-good,
shameless bastard!

Any woman
who touches you is cursed!

Cheat! Asshole!
You're not a man!

You picked a great time
to join the gang -

the night of a typhoon!

Even Baldy hasn't shown up.

Ka Wu's gone to get him.
Why so jittery?

Where you going?

To take a shit.

Don't out out on us.

The typhoon's coming.
Why haven't you closed up?

Useless old motherfucker.
Go home and jerk off!

Fuck you!

Relax.

The power's out.

How come no one's around?

You two go watch the back door.

What do we do about this guy?

Can we go back now?

Put that cleaver down!

You all right?

Go after them!

The initiation's starting
and you're home asleep!

- It was mahjong.
- Mahjong my ass!

You still owe me from last time,
remember?

Let's play another game
afterwards.

Ka Wu!

Ka Wu!

Do you know
how lonely life can be?

You know what it feels like

in the depths of despair?

Then go kill yourself!

You're a fuckin' drag.

No one respects me.

What's the use of living?
I'm better off dead.

Please let me borrow that.
Help me -

Run!

Crazy...

Did you kill Honey?

Shandong!

Crazy...

Shandong!

Please get UP!

Come on, get up.

Shandong!

I could swear he sings
“...a brighter summer day.”

But is that grammatically correct?

Mr. Zhang.

What is it?

Could we do this tomorrow
during office hours?

It's a rather unusual matter...

All right.

Let me get a jacket.

Is it something Si'r did?

Residents in southwest Taiwan
should be prepared for floods.

People on ships
in the vicinity of Taiwan

should also be on the alert...

You go to bed.
I'll wait up for Morn.

Mom went to Mr. Wang's house.
She's been gone two hours.

People came and took Dad away.

I think they were
with the Secret Police.

You're soaking wet!
- I forgot my raincoat.

You seem to lack inner calm.

Don't give me your religion.

I've lived an honest life.

I have nothing to hide.

We have no doubt of that.

May I go, then?

I have to go to work.

You'd better rest a bit first.

Is this about
Professor Hsia again?

We only touched
on one element last night.

Here.

Relax.

Write what you feel.
Don't hold back.

I studied music.
I'm an artistic type.

You're really my superior
in that regard.

I really do understand
how educated people feel.

Well, I'll leave you alone
for a while.

Oh, one other thing.

There's no actual sign,
but smoking's not allowed.

Sorry. it's the rules.

But before -

The blood and tears
I shed for you know no end

As I cast aside the red bean
symbol of my longing

The spring willows
bloom eternally

And spring flowers
fill my painted chambers

My sleep's disturbed
by the wind and rain

Pattering on the screen window
after dusk

I'm unable to forget
my new woes

Or my old sorrows

I can't swallow my delicate foods

And I choke
on the golden brasenia soup

I can't believe

How frail I look
in my flowered mirror

I can't unfurrow
my knitted brow

Nor bear to feel
another tear fall

Do you know Li Nan-tien?

Uh... yes.

College classmate.

So why didn't you write it down?

He didn't come to Taiwan.
We've lost contact.

Didn't come to Taiwan?

You know Liang Jin-chen?

Liang Jin-chen?

I don't think
I've heard the name before.

Think carefully. Are you sure?

I don't think so.

Think carefully.

In July 1939 you began work
in an accounting department.

Who trained you
to take over his job?

Oh... Mr. Liang.

A sort, chubby guy
with gold-rimmed glasses.

So you do remember.
Why didn't you write it down?

I wasn't lying.

We work so hard
to learn the truth.

Leaving out something you know
is the same as lying.

You know Chao Nien-lu?
- No.

Hsun Feng-shih?
Kuo Li-an?

Yes.

Shh Chun-chuan'?

Shih Chun-chuan?

Yes.

How do you know him?

He was a friend of a coworker.

When we first came to Taiwan,

I bought an old bike
from him real cheap

so the kids could get to school.
I only met him once.

A reporter or something.

His name was kind of odd.
That's why I remember it.

Is that all?

Yes.

Why didn't you write it down?
Who was the coworker?

Mr. Tseng.

Tseng Hung-yuan.
- How do you write that?

“Hung” as in “swan.”

You and your wife married secretly
in Shanghai in 1940.

We had witnesses
and a dinner-

Without a marriage certificate,
it's a secret marriage.

We registered at city hall,
and we -

Did Professor Hsia
introduce you to your wife?

No, we met at a dance.

In June of 1942, your wife
was teaching elementary school.

Why did she resign?

My eldest daughter was born.

My salary was enough
at the time.

I preferred to have her
care for the baby.

Is that the only reason?

This says she left for her uncle's
in Shanghai at age 11.

Shouldn't it say
her father's brother-in-law?

Well, I -

You seem to lack inspiration.

There's much
you still don't recall.

Don't worry. We have
all the time in the world.

You grow so fast.
Hold your breath.

Remind me to let it out
for you tonight.

What happened
with your old man?

What do you mean?

That night after the fight, did he notice
anything when you got home?

No, he'd gone to a movie
with my mom.

Wow, your sister's really cool!

Thanks.

Move.

I found that picture
with the knife.

She must have used it
in a love suicide.

Quit staring at it.
Take it if you want.

Hey, I talked to Horsecart!
- What for?

I told him I'm your buddy.
He'll help us.

Stand up straight.

Don't make me repeat myself.

You got that?

There's no one here.

I knew you'd be here.

What you told me last time...

did you really mean it?

I hope you weren't lying.

I couldn't bear that.

It's Saturday again.

Want to cut class?

No, we have all the time
in the world.

Spring disappears

Without a trace

Leaving nothing behind...

Here for your shot?
Go over there.

Apologize to them.

Go on!

Want me to make you?

Motherfucker!

Is that good enough?

Forget it. Let's go.

Not a chance!

Just watch your step
from now on.

What are you so pleased about?

Fix me up with Airplane!

Cat is cuter.

I want to meet Airplane!

I want one too!

You need to be
more aggressive on defense.

Don't let him get by.
Next two.

Keep your arms out on defense.
Go on.

What's your connection
to Wang Kuo-cheng?

Wang?

He's...

a classmate.

“Wang”?

You seem to know him well.

Well... not really.

I see him now and then
at class reunions.

Here.

Write more?

I'll be back for it before dawn.

I'm almost done.

Give me a little more time.

That's enough.
You can go now.

Hurry UP-

- Hurry up.
- My button fell off again.

- Didn't your sister just fix it for you?
- Yes.

Mrs. Zhang.

Do you have safety pins?

You better go or you'll be late.

Is my shirt ironed?

I have to go to work.

It's better this way.

They found someone at the office
to take over my work.

Less work means less trouble.

You think it's related
to your interrogation?

Don't say things with no proof.

How stupid can you be?

Weren't they waiting for a confession
about Wang before they'd release you?

I thought
he was trying to help us.

The way I see it...

he was trying
to dissociate himself from you.

You're too honest
to cover up his corruption.

What kind of crazy idea is that?

Didn't you go to him
while I was being held?

Didn't he do his best to help?

Maybe he was pretending.
Maybe he was behind the whole thing.

And that promotion he got you -

You women!

You know nothing
about friendship between men!

What are you good for
besides being suspicious?

It's been tough enough
for us already.

You and the kids
are all I have left.

Please don't frighten me anymore.

We only have each other now.

If you're not afraid,
then I won't be.

What's the matter, Tiger?

Come on, speak up.

You should at least talk to him.

You worried
he'll try to get back at you?

He won't.

It's over.

Let's drop him, okay?

How come you never
told me about him?

What's there to tell?

Lots of guys have ideas about me.

Haven't you heard enough?

Take the young doctor,
for example.

Couldn't you tell?

How do you feel
when I tell you these things?

Can't you just ignore them?

You can't ask others to do
what you think is right.

People will look down on you.

You mean
you'll look down on me.

Who's there?

Lao Er, Si'r, get up!

There's a thief!

Lao Er, get up, hurry!

Lao Er!

See if the front door's
been opened. Hurry!

The front door's fine.

You sure?

Yes.

Take this!

He's hiding.

He's hiding outside.

Impossible!
Check the roof!

- Get the flashlight.
- Where is it?

Hurry!

- Where is it?
- In the kitchen drawer. Hurry!

I can't find it.

Why don't you turn on some lights?

What's with all the noise?
I'm trying to sleep!

He's hiding under the bed.

He was standing right here
and then suddenly vanished!

It can't be!
I saw him right here!

How could he just vanish?

He couldn't have gotten away!

Let her rest for now.
Everything's under control.

Luckily you rushed her over
in time.

Didn't I warn her
about charcoal smoke?

Since ancient times
the Chinese have loved camellias

for their elegance
and refined beauty.

The kids used
to play around here

and pick the flowers
when they were little.

This reminds me
of your grandfather.

The blossoms bring back
happy memories of him.

Who's that lady?

You mean Hsiang-li?

We're getting married
in September.

I don't like her.

She's strange.

There's no love between you.
She's not for you.

You kids don't understand
such things.

You don't have to say anything
if you don't want to.

Why do you think
I don't understand?

Love isn't fun and games.

Lots of guys say they love me,

but...

the minute there's trouble,
they all run away.

If you're troubled about something,

you must tell me
before I can help you.

I won't tell you.

You wouldn't tell me, right?

Don't worry about
your mother's medical expenses.

We're too close
to worry about such things.

Still don't want to tell me?

Zhang Zhen.

Come here a minute.

This is for your own good.

I don't mean to pry,

but for a love affair at your age,
you need good advice.

Behaving like a hooligan, huh?

Stand up straight
when the doctor's talking!

Motherfucking bitch.

What are you?
The secret police?

What did you just say?

Say that again.
What did you say?

I said you're the secret police.

Before that.
About my mother.

Try saying it again!
- Fucking bitch!

What's going on?

What's this here?

Your students act
like a bunch of hooligans.

Foul-mouthed and violent!

Dating girls and messing around
with relationships!

- Mind your own fucking business!
- Zhang Zhen!

To the conduct office!

Big deal! Who cares?

You had some harsh words
about us last time.

What about
your parental guidance?

Such foul language!
Even I was embarrassed.

You parents don't do your job
and then blame it on us.

You have some nerve!

Please give him another chance.

Too late!

He's fallen this far already.
If we don't punish him properly,

you'll blame us again
for not doing our job.

I don't want to be
responsible for that.

It was my negligence.

Kids sometimes lose their heads.

Please excuse him just this once.

If he gets
another demerit for this,

he can't move on
to the next grade.

That would be...

too unfair to him.

Unfair? Didn't you think
we were unfair last time?

Didn't you say
you didn't care about demerits?

How come you care now?

We all work
for the same government.

What makes you
so high and mighty?

Mr. Zhang, buy some buns!

What's wrong?
In a bad mood?

Don't worry!

The sun will rise again tomorrow.

A lively soul is never
stifled by a fart, right?

Dumplings and buns!

Don't worry, Dad.
Getting expelled isn't that bad.

This way I can take
the transfer exam this summer.

I'll get into day school for you.

Don't worry about me, Dad.

I remember everything you said.

I'll always listen to you.

I remember you said
one's own future

can be determined
by one's own efforts.

I hit him with the bat
because he went too far,

just like last time when you -

If I quit smoking,

the money I save every month...

will be enough
to buy you glasses

on the installment plan.

So when will we see
each other again?

Not until I've taken
the transfer exams.

You can always come
to school to see me.

Next time I enter the school gate,
I'll be a day school student.

Sounds like Honey when he said
he was going back to Tainan.

You're not happy.

I'll be worried about you.

Don't be silly. Study hard.

I'm behind you all the way.

But let's not go today, okay?

Everything's all arranged.

Plus Cat and Airplane
are both invited.

Oh, dear!
Our servant has quit.

Sorry I didn't come out
earlier to say hello.

Don't worry.
We'll help ourselves.

Is this your classmate?

She's so pretty.

When I was carrying him,
I wanted a girl.

Look how big he is now.

There you go again!

Take your feet off the table.

Where are the others?

- Range?
- 700 yards.

- How many?
- A platoon.

Too far. It won't reach.

Use mine.

Shit! They've got tanks!

It's okay.
We've got grenades.

Who goes there? Password!

Commie woman.
Hands up.

- What are you doing?
- Girls aren't into this stuff.

Stay back!

Cheer up, will you?

Doesn't my thoughtfulness
mean anything?

Getting expelled from school
is no big deal.

You don't even look
after your own girlfriend.

Your father's government career

is doomed because of it

and because of his relations
with Professor Hsia.

I'm proud of all you kids
for pulling through.

Especially Si'r.

He's so determined to get back
on track after all that's happened.

Mom, after graduation,
I'll work a while before going abroad.

No, you go as soon as you get
your scholarship.

But Lao Er's going to college,
plus there's Si'r and the youngest one.

It's too much for you.

We've managed up to now.

Don't worry until
you've made it in America.

Four pounds of rice.

Can you put this on credit,
Uncle Fat?

No problem.

May I butt in?

Many people say I'm too nosy,

but I'm actually
a lot like your husband.

You have preserved eggs?

Over there.

Your SH saved my “fie.

I think it's my turn to help you.

Uncle Fat said Mr. Lin
is native Taiwanese.

A very honest man.

He's starting
a fruit export business.

He needs a partner
with formal education.

The starting salary
may not be much,

but if you work hard,
you'll be your own man.

What if he goes bankrupt
a month from now?

Talk to him first.
Feel each other out.

You can't doubt a guy
without knowing him.

I've worked
for the government all my life.

I'm used
to the stability and security.

You really think
this is stable and secure?

I was gonna mail it today
if you didn't show up.

Did you bring your friend
some slippers, Cat?

What did I go out there for?

Why'd you turn it off?

It sounds awful!
Who are you mailing it to?

You'll find out later.

How's school?
Everything okay?

Same as always.
Nothing ever changes.

You seen Ming lately?

She's fine!

Just concentrate
on your books.

Me and Airplane
will look after her.

Chiung, come give me a hand.

Uncle Fat's family
will be here at 7:00.

Clear the table, would you?

Where's Sh'?

I sent him to the movies.

“The score with Sly
will be settled by this day.”

Sly?

He hasn't come around in ages.

He disappeared
after he escaped the massacre.

They fired his old man
because of him.

They hold political meetings
in the auditorium,

but outsiders
can't rent it anymore.

I got the worst of it.

My business has gone to hell.

The damn cops
come round all the time.

Closing up already?

Shit! Look who's here!

S? r.

Jade said she's been
seeing you at the library.

You got kicked
out of school too?

You seem really different.

Move your feet.

I was really too much back then...

wound up so tight all the time.

It makes me laugh!

Don't let the past
get you down, okay?

I feel really bad about it.

Come on, man.
It was all my fault.

Let it go.

What school
are you trying to get into?

I'm trying to test
into day school.

You got some balls!

Even military academies
won't take punks like me.

You and I were such enemies.

Now we're in the same boat.

We even have the same
bad luck with girlfriends.

What do you mean?

That Ma!

He's really slick.

I figure you'll be like me
and not hold it against him.

He stole Jade from me.

Now he's messing around
with Ming.

When are you signing up
for the exams?

My math and English
are the pits -

S? r.

Let's keep in touch.

What was that for?
You want trouble, asshole?

Mess with me
and I'll call the cops!

Motherfucker!
- Come on, forget it.

- Who are you here to see?
- Is Ma home?

Wait here.

What's your name?

Si'r.

Shit, it's been a long time!
What have you been up to?

That's what I want to ask you.

I'm the same old me.
What else?

Hey, did you know
Ming's living here now?

Remember
when you guys came over

and our maid had quit?

Ming came to my morn to see
if her mother could fill the job.

My morn really likes her
and gave her mother the job.

Ming's not bad.

She's inside.
Want to come in?

What's this I hear
about you and her?

What do you mean?

Girls. it's the same old shit.

Dress 'em nice, feed 'em well,
fool around a bit.

What else is there?

You don't look too happy.

Don't let some stupid girl
come between us, buddy.

It's okay.

When you two were fooling around,
did she mention Honey a lot...

and say you weren't giving her
a sense of security?

What's wrong? Don't get
all worked up over some girl!

Come on in.
Let's shoot a few rounds.

That's okay.
I'm gonna catch a movie.

- Got any money on you?
- A little.

How much?

How much you need?

Never mind.

Look at it
as meeting friends for dinner.

Just be relaxed.

Chuan, I need my watch.

I put it back.

Well, it's not here.

Uncle Fat's here.

- I want to go.
- I'll bring you bubble gum.

Lousy bubble gum!

How many for dinner?

Si'r is studying at the library.

How about Lao Er?

I don't know.

He's had a good appetite lately.

What's wrong?

You're always outside
whenever Mom's gone.

Come eat your dinner!

I'm not hungry yet.

- You're asking for it!
- I'm coming.

- Is stealing Mom's watch a habit now?
- I didn't take it.

She noticed it was gone!
What will you do now?

What's this about?

It's for grown-ups.
Stay out of it.

You're so mean!

Where are you going?

- Are your folks home?
- They went out to dinner.

- What's with Lao Er?
- Oh, nothing.

It's been ages.
Are they doing all right?

I'll come in a while and wait.

Where are all the ashtrays?

Dad quit smoking.

You still using this thing?

It's useless!

You know, I took your dad
to buy this radio.

At the Wing On
department store in Shanghai.

Your morn wasn't even
as old as you are now.

You should throw
that useless junk away.

What were you doing
at the church library?

My sister told me about it.
How about you?

I play when it's time to play,
study when it's time to study.

So Chiung is your sister?

She's really religious.

We were both
in the church choir at one point.

What'll we do after the movie?
- Some rock and roll joint?

No, too expensive.

You want to be like Ma?
Don't be stupid.

Didn't you quit?

How about 300 a game?

Shit!
You need money that bad?

This is a real opportunity for you.

I was impressed with Mr. Lin.
He's honest and direct.

It's time to stop
dragging your feet.

Dad, Mr. Wang was here.

I forgot your bubble gum!

I'll make it up to you next time.

Why the sad face?
- Big sister bawled me out.

She did?
Were you naughty?

No.

Then why'd she do that?

- Where's Lao Er?
- He went out.

Where'd he go?

Little brat!
Just had to snitch, didn't you!

I saw Sly last night.

He's totally changed.

I guess people really do change.

It was a comforting feeling.

What are you going on about?

Jade, can we be close
to each other?

I could help you feel
that same way.

Don't you need that sometimes?

You're a serious one,
aren't you?

Didn't you look down
on me before?

Actually -

Now you seem eager
to change me.

Am I your little
biology experiment, or what?

You have a lot
of philosophical ideas.

I'm happy with the way I am,
but are you?

What if I don't change?

What if I don't change
to suit your ideas?

Will you just walk away?

You're so selfish!
Who do you think you are?

Jade, I didn't mean any harm.

By the way, thanks for the rumors
you started back then.

What rumors? Back when?

Playing dumb?

When the 217 boys
cornered Sly at the school.

Did you really not see
it was Ming he was with?

Sly was scared
Honey might find out.

He made me tell everyone
it was me.

I was such an idiot!

Why don't you give Ming
your philosophy lecture?

She's got me beat by a mile.

You're shameless!
Hopeless!

Tell your father you're sorry.

That's enough, Dad.

That's enough, Dad.

That's enough!

Dad, please stop!

Please stop!

You better come back later.

Mom and Dad think
you're studying at the library.

If they find out
you took the watch...

they'll be even more heartbroken.

Lao Er came up
with a load of cash.

He wanted to buy back
the watch for you...

but Mom found
the money on him first.

You mustn't feel alone.

I'm always with you.

Don't turn me away again.

Let God into your heart.
He'll give you his strength.

But...

there's too much suffering...

too much injustice.

Aren't you giving others
too little credit

and always thinking
only of yourself?

Christ gave his life

for our sins.

Even Lao Er took the blame
for your wrongs.

You should show gratitude
for what others have done for you.

Have you ever done
anything for anyone?

You should think it over carefully.

Honey told me the same thing.

Who?

Never mind.

A good friend.

Have you ever read
War and Peace ?

Why don't you talk it over
with Reverend Chen tomorrow?

- What's up?
- We're not finished yet.

- What's this about?
- Don't play dumb, asshole.

Fuck you, going off on me
over some girl!

Aren't you my buddy?

You go on like an old lady.

You said you'd given up
girls for books.

Now you start bitching.
You got some nerve!

I've always been good to you.
- Shut your mouth!

Shut your mouth and listen good.

I've had enough
of your rich-kid theories.

Starting today...

if I hear you're still
hanging out with Ming,

I'm coming after you!

Motherfuckin' punk!
I let you be my best friend!

Fuck! Don't forget
who you're messing with!

I'll be waitin' for you, buddy!

I'll kick your ass!

I've been looking all over for you.
Cool it. We're all good friends.

Cool it for my sake, okay?

Let's talk it over.
I'll bring him to you.

Come on, man.
Don't act this way.

It makes us look bad.

Wait at the film studio.

I'll go talk to him.
I'll bring him to you.

Cool it for my sake.

Come on, man.

Let's drop it for today.
I need time to talk to him.

He brought
his samurai sword to class.

Let's do it tomorrow, okay?

Go home and cool down.

Do it for me, okay?

Let's make it tomorrow, okay?

Okay? For sure?

I gotta go.
I'm late for class.

Your brother's not here yet?

My family said he was on his way.

Well...

let's wait another half hour.

- I'm sorry, Reverend Chen.
- It's okay.

Well... excuse me.

Hey there!

Can you help me find
that young girl you were with before?

She moved after the screen test.

You know where to?

She cries and laughs,
and makes it all look natural!

Natural?

You can't even tell real from fake.

How can you make movies?

You even know
what the hell you're filming?

Cat's at school.

I'm just borrowing a book.

What book?

I know where it is.

How come his bike's still here?

Strange. He's usually
the first one out of here.

Si?!

What's the matter?

What brings you here to school?

What's that?

Stop acting like this.
What's that?

You're here for Ma.

Tell me! Are you?

How could you do
a thing like that?

I won't let anyone
look down on you.

What are you talking about?

Aren't you supposed
to be home studying?

Ming, I know all about you.

But I don't mind.

Because only I know.

I'm the only one
who can help you.

I'm the only hope you have left.

Just like Honey used to be.

That's why
you still can't forget Honey.

Because right now,
I'm another Honey.

You mean you're the only one
who can help change me, right?

Why are you like all the rest?

I was wrong about you.
You're just like the others.

You're nice to me
just so I'll be nice to you.

Then you'll feel secure, right?

You're so selfish.

You want to change me?

I'm like this world.

This world will never change!
Who do you think -

You're hopeless!

Shameless and hopeless!

Ming.

Get up.

Quick, get up.

Get on your feet.

You won't die. Believe me.

Hurry and get up.

You can do it.

Please get up.

Get up!

Why won't you get UP?

Where is he?

I'm looking for my brother.
You got the wrong person!

You've made a mistake!

You got the wrong person!

Where's Sh'?

So that's the guy.

Strange.
I don't know this one.

What gang is he with?

I know every one
of these assholes in town.

“Dear Sis...”

Found that in his pocket.

“I'm sorry.

I know you're the only one
who understands.

Please help explain
to Morn and Dad...

in case I never see you again.”

What's the little jerk's name?

Can't even write his name.
Drew a funny face!

What's his problem?

XIAO Sl'R

Get up.
Time to change.

Get up.

Get up and get changed!

You little punk!

She's mine!

You can't take her away!

You can't do this!

It belongs to my old man.
Ask him where he got it.

I didn't ask him!

Fm asking you!

Why'd you bring
this sword to class?

I know
you're mixed up in all this!

We know your father well.

Can't you just cooperate?

That's my son!
What are you doing to him?

This is outrageous!
We're a respectable family!

Treating an innocent child
like this!

The latest report:

The girl's mother
just committed suicide.

Who's in charge here?

I am! I'm the boss here!

Now you get out!

- How dare you speak to me like that!
- Out!

Who is that man?
I want his name!

What's his name?

Write down his name!

He was the only friend I had.

And now...

We heard the girl's mother
tried to kill herself.

Tell us about it.

Let us talk to her.

Everyone wants to know
what really happened.

She tried to kill herself
by swallowing her gold ring.

I really don't know much else.

Please be considerate.

Do you know the boy?

Relax. The mother survived.
No big deal.

I heard you had
an affair with the girl.

Any comment?
- We heard the same thing.

What?
Have you no decency?

Get out! All of you!

Who do you think you are?
Out!

He has a guilty conscience.

What's wrong
with asking a question?

Let's check out
the police department again.

There is a place
of peace and calm

Safe in God's embrace

In that place

No evil dwells

Safe in God's embrace

Jesus, our benevolent savior

Comes from God's embrace

We earnestly await the time

When we'll rest in God's embrace

In the summer of 1961,

Xiao Si'r received
the death sentence

from the District Court of Taipei.

Being the first juvenile
homicide case in Taiwan

under Nationalist
government rule,

the case and sentence
were widely debated.

The District High Court
later commuted the sentence

to 15 years in prison.

Xiao Si'r was released from prison
shortly before his 30th birthday.

Two months after the incident...

The other gentlemen said
you accept tapes.

Who said that?

You're making it up.

We never accept tapes.

I wanted to leave a letter.

He said letters get lost easily
in the mail room.

He suggested a tape instead.

- Are you a family member?
- No.

Mister, didn't you say
you accept tapes?

Do you or don't you?

- Who's it for?
- Zhang Zhen.

All right.

Just leave it and go!

Sir, remember
this song I recorded?

Guess who I mailed it to.

Elvis!

He even wrote back.

He was surprised to learn
his music is so popular

on this unknown little island.

He was touched.
He even sent me a gift.

Too bad you can't see it.

I wear the ring
he sent me every day.

It's really cool!

I just don't know
when I'll get to show it to you.

What's this thing?

Shit!

Hey, the radio's working!

Don't move it!
It'll out out again!

Kang Fu-mei,
Wang Chao-jen, Yeh Hsin-ming...

Chao Hung,
Chen Chang-chem...

The preceding have qualified
for the Chinese Literature Department.

The following have qualified
for the Foreign Literature Department

at National Taiwan University:

Chou Fu-jung, Chang Shih-ling...

Chen Cheng-fu, Chang Chih-ho...

Also Featuring

WANG CHUAN, CHANG HAN
CHIANG HSIU-CHIUNG

STEPHANIE LAl
WONG CHI-ZAN, LAWRENCE KO

TAN CHIH-KANG
CHANG MING-HSIN, JUNG CHUN-LUNG

ZHOU HUI-GUO
TANG HSIAO-TSUI, LIN HONG-MING