Synopsis

​ Set in Taiwan in the 1960s, it depicts how indigenous Taiwanese and mainlanders (Chinese immigrants who came to Taiwan after 1949) live side by side in the community around the live side by side in a community near the Lung Shan Temple. To support his ailing father, Xiao-Fang sells alcohol at the market. Aspiring to be a singer, Hsiao-Fang uses her charming voice to attract the attention of customers. Tang Liang, a native Taiwanese who works at a radio station, and Cheng, a photographer from mainland China, both fall for Xiao-Fang. To win her heart, they do everything they can and pull out all the stops.

Program Note

​ Chin, despite her remarkable singing talent, sacrifices herself for the sake of her sick father. In her journey, she overcomes adversity, discovers love, and paves the way for a future as a singer. At first glance, the film may seem like a faithful romantic comedy musical. However, by portraying Chin as a "mainlander, it indirectly touches upon the conflict between mainlanders and Taiwanese that intensified in Taiwan. Director Pai Ko, fearlessly incorporated these social issues into the film. Unfortunately, he was arrested as a communist shortly after completing the movie, and two years later, he became a victim of Taiwan's White Terror. (Jin. Cho)

Director

• 
  • Pai Ko
  • Born in Xiamen, China in 1914, Pai Ko was a director and film critic. In 1937, he won a scholarship to study at the Moscow Film School, however, the war broke out, stopping him from attending. In 1945, Pai arrived in Taiwan with the KMT government and served as the head of the Taiwan Film Studio, making newsreels and propaganda films. Between 1956 and 1962, Pai made eleven Taiwanese-language films and was best known for The Mad Woman's 18 Years and Romance at Lung Shan Temple.