Three Times

Three epochs, 1911, 1966 and 2005, where three different love stories move along an axis of ever-increasing personal freedom, but also in a world of growing complexity and communication problems.

Hou Hsiao-hsien, one of World Cinema’s greatest artists, here proves his range, in two minimalist episodes and a 2005 episode that plunges headlong into today’s fragmented, noisy and chaotic world. All three episodes are masterful in their own unique way but the 1911 episode must be Hou at his most beautiful and tender. Shot like a silent film, body language, scenography and costumes here combine into some sort of filmic ballet accompanied by ethereal piano music. ds