What Time Is It There? 2001
Tsai Ming-liang's meditative drama *What Time Is It There? (2001)* weaves a quiet, melancholic romance between a Taipei street vendor and a young woman preparing for her move to Paris.
Director: Tsai Ming-liang
Cast
Lee Kang-sheng
Hsiao-Kang
Chen Shiang-Chyi
Shiang-Chyi
Lu Yi-ching
Hsiao-Kang's Mother
Miao Tian
Hsiao-Kang's Father / Old Man at the Park
Liao Ching-Kuo
Sorcerer
Tsai Chao-yi
Clock Store Owner
Chen Hsi-Fei
Video Tapes Vendor
Java Sparrow Youth-Leigh
Vendor's Customer
Hsu Yue-Yin
Sorceress
Huang Kuo-Cheng
Fat Boy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *What Time Is It There? (2001)* about?
The film follows a Taipei street vendor navigating a grim home life, who forms a tenuous connection with a young woman departing for Paris. Their paths cross in fleeting moments, leaving each transformed by the brief encounter. The story explores loneliness, longing, and the weight of time as it shifts between their lives.
Who directed *What Time Is It There? (2001)*?
Tsai Ming-liang directed this introspective drama, known for his poetic, slow-cinema style that delves into the quiet struggles of everyday existence.
Who stars in *What Time Is It There? (2001)*?
The film features Lee Kang-sheng as the street vendor, Chen Shiang-Chyi as the woman bound for Paris, alongside Lu Yi-ching, Miao Tian, and Tsai Chao-yi in pivotal roles.
Is *What Time Is It There? (2001)* worth watching?
If you appreciate contemplative, visually rich dramas with themes of solitude and human connection, Tsai Ming-liang's film is a rewarding experience. Its subtle storytelling and emotional depth make it a standout in the world of indie cinema, even if it won't appeal to those seeking fast-paced narratives.
How long is *What Time Is It There? (2001)*?
The film runs 116 minutes, offering a leisurely yet immersive journey through its slow-burn narrative.
🎥 Trailer
About What Time Is It There? (2001) — A Dreamlike Taipei Romance Through Time and Space
Tsai Ming-liang's meditative drama *What Time Is It There? (2001)* weaves a quiet, melancholic romance between a Taipei street vendor and a young woman preparing for her move to Paris. Struggling with a bleak home life and the weight of time passing, the vendor finds an unexpected connection with the traveler, a bond that lingers like a fleeting shadow across cities and continents. The film's languid pacing and stark visuals create an atmosphere of introspective solitude, reflecting the universal themes of longing, displacement, and the fragile ties that bind strangers together. With its poetic realism and understated performances, this Taiwanese gem captures the ache of human connection in an increasingly fragmented world.
Lee Kang-sheng and Chen Shiang-Chyi deliver understated yet deeply affecting performances as two lost souls whose paths briefly intersect, leaving an indelible mark on each other's lives. Through its contemplative narrative and atmospheric storytelling, *What Time Is It There?* invites viewers to ponder the quiet moments that shape our lives, blending drama and romance into an experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
