A Journey in Spring
In this sensitive and strikingly well-inhabited drama about coming to terms with loss and past regrets, gruff old Khim-Hok is unwilling to grapple with the overwhelming grief of his wife’s sudden death and places her body in the freezer…until family comes to visit.
Director/Producer Ping Wen Wang and Director Tzu-Hui Peng scheduled to attend.
“Jieh-Wen King’s performance as Khim is remarkable [...] Despite dealing with heavy themes like death and the profound sadness experienced by bereaved individuals, the delicate and nuanced direction facilitates the narrative to flow like a gentle breeze.” —Niikhiil Akhiil, High on Films
The death of a loved one is an unfortunate painful part of the cycle of life. Especially if the loss comes unexpectedly. However, one aging man living in the hills of Taipei finds an unusual way to freeze time and his impending grief. Instead of judging his decision, the film focuses on capturing the invisible emotions he is so desperately trying to hide from. A Journey in Spring tenderly depicts the complicated relationship between a family broken by estrangement and the regrets we reflect on, like old home movies playing in our head. The lush cinematography and 16mm photography help capture that feeling beautifully, imploring you to slow down and empathize with the character’s story. Jason King’s poignant performance as the grieving husband and hostile father who suddenly finds his quiet life in disarray will surely touch the stoniest of hearts. Bring a tissue.
—Sandra Woolf
- Original Language Title: 春行
- Director: Wang Ping-Wen, Peng Tzu-Hui
- Principal Cast: Jieh-Wen Kin, Kuei-Mei Yang, Joe Shu-Wei Chang
- Country: Taiwan
- Year: 2023
- Running Time: 90 min.
- Producer: Wang Ping-Wen, Peng Tzu-Hui
- Screenplay: Yi-Hsun Yu
- Cinematographers: Yosuke Kato, Wai Kin Sou
- Editors: Peng Tzu-Hui
- Music: Yannick Dauby
- Website: Official Film Website
- Awards: San Sebastian 2023 (Silver Shell, Best Director)
- Filmography: Debut Feature Film
- Language: Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese Hokkien
- Has Subtitles: Yes
- International Sales: Diversion