Three Times

Three Times is a Taiwanese romantic drama released in 2005, directed by the visionary auteur, Hou Hsiao-Hsien. The film showcases performances from accomplished actors such as Shu Qi, Chang Chen, and Fang Mei. Three Times is universally praised for its experimental narrative structure, vivid cinematography, and sensitive performances. It's an insightful exploration of love, longing, and human connections set in different periods of Taiwanese history.

The film is essentially a trilogy of stories, each set in a different era — 1911, 1966, and 2005 — and each featuring the same lead actors, Shu Qi and Chang Chen. Although the two characters portrayed by the actors share a romantic connection in each story, their relationship dynamics, circumstances, and the resolution of their feelings toward each other vary significantly, according to the spirit of the times in which the story is set.

One of the distinguishing features of Three Times is its non-linear and fragmented narrative. Despite its unique structure, the film does not feel disjointed; instead, it creates an aesthetic tapestry of time, love, and history. It utilizes silence and body language as powerful storytelling tools, highlighting Hou Hsiao-Hsien's minimalist approach to cinema.

The first segment, "A Time for Love," is set in 1966 and centers around a pool-hall attraction. Shu Qi plays a billiard hostess, and Chang Chen, a soldier on leave. The story captures the innocence and enchantment of first love, augmented by a nostalgic depiction of the period. The narrative is steeped in tenderness and yearning, augmented by evocative music and warm cinematography.

The second story, called "A Time for Freedom," moves back in time to 1911, in a period when Taiwan was under Japanese rule. Chang Chen plays a politically active journalist frequenting a brothel, where Shu Qi portrays a courtesan. Their relationship unfolds against the backdrop of a politically charged era, with its conflicts and turmoil. This segment is filmed as a silent movie with intertitles, drawing inspiration from the cinematic techniques of that time.

The final segment, "A Time for Youth," is set in the contemporary hustle of Taipei in 2005. Shu Qi's character is a disillusioned pop singer, suffering from epilepsy and involved in a dysfunctional relationship, while Chang Chen plays a photographer. The segment captures the lack of communication and alienation characteristic of modern relationships in a bustling metropolis.

Three Times is a study of the subtle changes in society and interpersonal relationships over the course of the 20th century. The love stories are a reflection of the societal norms, cultural changes, and the historical backdrop of each era. The movie doesn't rely on conventional melodramatic tropes or explicit narrative – it leans significantly on subtle gestures, glances, and moments of silence to convey deep emotions and complex human connections.

The actors Shu Qi and Chang Chen provide spectacular performances, achieving a remarkable range of character depth across the trilogy, rendering each of their roles believable, sympathetic, and deeply moving. Shu Qi's transformation from the sentimental pool hall hostess to the tragic courtesan and later, the depressed singer, is seamless and convincing. And Chang Chen, with his performances ranging from a love-struck soldier, a freedom-seeking journalist, to a somewhat aloof photographer, showcases his versatility and skill.

Three Times has been lauded for its stunning visuals and clever use of sound and music. Director Hou Hsiao-Hsien's meticulousness for visual composition and attention to details in the mise-en-scène is evident in every frame of the film. The period-piece attire and carefully chosen props enhance the film’s faithfulness to each era it depicts.

In summary, Three Times is a visually poetic and emotionally rich piece of cinema, beautifully conceived and masterfully executed. Despite its unorthodox narrative and reflective pace, it's a timeless exploration of love and connection. If you are a fan of films that artfully blend aesthetics, history, and human emotions, Three Times is not to be missed.