Movie Description
One of Hou Hsiao-Hsien's earliest commercial and critical successes, DUST IN THE WIND is the story of Wan and Huen, a young couple living in a small mining town in China. Tired of the demands of high school and discontent with the limits of country life, the two quit school against their parents' advice, and move to Taipei. There they join other young friends who've made the move from country to big city, and spend their nights drinking and watching free movies at the nearby theater. But in an overcrowded city where people outnumber available jobs, they find that city life is bleak, especially for people who are young, uneducated, and inexperienced. They work menial jobs for little money: most of which they dutifully send back home to their families. The monotony of their lives is only broken when Wan is drafted into the army--a fateful turn that alters their lives irrevocably.
Combining the neorealism of Vittorio de Sica and the simple, contemplative style of Yasujiro Ozu, this quiet, unsentimental film realistically portrays a country and people in transition. Filled with grace, beauty, bittersweet humor, and strong performances from unprofessional actors, it is an engaging exploration of love, innocence, and the harsh realities of modern life.
| Credits | | Producer: | Hsien-Chang Li, Hua-Ken Chang | | Cast: | Chin Wen Wang, Shu-feng Hsin, Tien-Lu Li |
Notes
DVD Features:
Region 0
Keep Case
Full Frame
Additional Release Materials:
Trailer
Interactive Features:
Scene Access
Interactive Menus
DVD-ROM Features:
Weblink, Theatrical Release: No U.S. theatrical release.
The film was shot on location in Taipei.
An autobiographical account of screenwriter and novelist (and later, a director) Wu Nien-Jen's early experiences, this is Wu's first of many film collaborations with Hou Hsiao-Hsien.
The film marks the first time noted puppeteer Li Tien-Lu appears in one of Hou Hsiao-Hsien's films. Hou would go on to make THE PUPPETMASTER, based on Li's life.
Though critically acclaimed, DUST IN THE WIND was criticized by the conservative sections of industry, government, and media, for its harsh depiction of modern Taiwainese life.
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