Classmates Minus

Classmates Minus is a 2020 Taiwanese dramatic comedy film written and directed by Huang Hsin-Yao, and starring Jen-Shuo Cheng, Kuan-Ting Liu, and Na-Dou Lin. The film presents a stirring depiction of mid-life crisis by weaving together the lives of four men who have been friends since their school days. Each character's tale provides an intimate look into the eccentricities of their lives filled with humor, tragedy, and relentless self-examination.

The four old schoolfellows, including a legislator, a dad, a graphics designer, and a substitute martial arts teacher, are the central characters of the film. Each is confronting personal challenges distinct to their current stage of life, bittersweet wrinkles in their shared history, and the transitions and dilemmas that come with being in their forties.

Jen-Shuo Cheng plays Irwin, the charming legislator who is seeking to maintain and elevate his political profile amidst cutthroat competition. Despite his ambition and heady rush of power, Cheng beautifully portrays Irwin's inherent humanity and down-to-earth appeal, making him a relatable character despite his high-profile profession.

Kuan-Ting Liu plays Richard, a loving father who is struggling to cope with his fraught domestic situation. His wife, concerned about their daughter's future, is overbearing and demanding. Liu offers a touching portrayal of a man torn between his feelings for his family and a quest for personal identity.

Na-Dou Lin adds a touch of light-hearted comedy as Hsu, a pudgy graphic designer who is stuck in a creative rut. Despite facing criticism at work and pining for the love of his life who has moved on, he finds humour in every hardship. Lin’s performance offers solace and optimism, underlining the importance of not losing one's spirit amidst trials.

And lastly, there's Chang, an interim martial arts teacher portrayed by Liu Kuan-Ting. He's a laid-back, easy-going man who avoids confrontation at all costs, making a living from a passion that's often misunderstood. He's a dreamer, often shown in imagined sequences of spectacular martial arts tournaments, an element that adds a zany twist to the film.

Classmate Minus vividly showcases the complexities of adulthood, distinctively tying each central character's challenges with their shared past as classmates. It puts the spotlight on the individual yet interconnected dramas of these four friends who are funny, complex, vulnerable, and real, just like the people we know in our lives.

The film is not just about these four men's lives; it's an ode to life itself. It paints a picture of life with all its high and lows, its wishes and disappointments. Huang Hsin-Yao's filmmaking style makes use of poignantly satirical humor to express the film's melancholic themes. The comedic bits oftentimes serve as sugar-coating for the more eternal, looming anxieties around life, love, and the inexorable march of time. The characters' struggles mirror the universal fears that come with mid-life crises, questioning if they have accomplished enough, if their lives have meaning, and if they are truly happy.

The cinematography of Classmates Minus is striking. The movie beautifully captures the aesthetic minimalism of Taiwanese architecture, making every frame of the film feel like an artwork. Each sequence is crafted meticulously to provide a visually captivating experience, whether it's displaying the hustle-bustle of the city or capturing Taiwan's stunning landscapes.

The film subtly unfolds layers of friendship, love, professional pressures, family dynamics, and sociopolitical contexts, all while retaining a touch of light-hearted humor. The performances of the leads are laudable, who with their skills breathe life into their characters, wonderfully embodying the nuances of their diverse lives.

Classmates Minus offers a simple story that is relatable, but also unique in its own special way. It explores deeply human themes that will resonate with viewers regardless of age or background—resilience, friendship, mortality, ambition, and the power of dreams.

In the end, Classmates Minus is a remarkable showcase of Taiwanese cinema. It's a poignant exploration of life’s uncertainties, coming to terms with the past and embracing whatever the future holds in store. The powerful narrative combined with striking performances and compelling visual storytelling makes this movie a must-watch for those who appreciate good cinema.