Touch of the Light

Touch of the Light, originally titled Ni Guang Fei Xiang, is a remarkable Taiwanese film, released in 2012. This inspirational drama, based on real-life events, features stellar performances by lead actors Sandrine Pinna, Yu-Siang Huang, and Lieh Lee.

The heartwarming narrative revolves around the life of protagonist Yu Siang, a blind pianist, played convincingly by visually impaired actor Yu-Siang Huang. The story captures Yu Siang's journey from a small town to Taipei, where he enrolls in a school for the visually impaired and hopes to hone his outstanding piano talents.

The distinction of the film lies in its exploration of a visually impaired lead character's life without resorting to gratuitous sentimentality. Directed by filmmaker Rong-ji Chang, the movie portrays the challenges and victories that come Yu Siang's way in a manner that’s as visually poetic as it is thematically profound. The director's deft handling of mature themes leaves a deep, lasting impression on the audience.

The central character of Yu Siang is far from a typical movie hero. He is a young man who, despite his visual impairment, aspires to master the piano. He faces no shortage of obstacles but refuses to be deterred by them. Instead, these challenges fuel his determined spirit, revealing a resolute character who sees his dreams through, regardless of the obstacles. The movie does a commendable job of subtly depicting Yu Siang's resilience.

Sandrine Pinna plays Xiao Jie, a hardworking dance student struggling with her own aspirations. Pinna gives a beautiful performance, showcasing a wide range of emotions through her character's journey. Xiao Jie's dreams parallel those of Yu Siang, and their shared ambition creates a heartwarming camaraderie marked by is a sense of mutual understanding and respect.

Lieh Lee skillfully plays the role of Yu Siang's protective and encouraging mother. She guides and nurtures her son’s talent, supporting him along his journey. The unique bond between the mother and son as well as their unsaid understanding about life is beautifully displayed throughout the film.

The film’s setting in busy city life contrasts sharply with Yu Siang's blindness yet beautifully harmonises with his music. The film uses these contrasting elements to symbolize Yu Siang's struggle for his dream in the face of his disability.

Chang's direction is elegantly complemented by the cinematography of Jake Pollock and Chen Ko-Chin. From the shots of bustling Taipei to the peaceful small town life, every scene is expertly shot, adding another poetic layer to the film. The visual storytelling here is as important as the narrative unraveling through the script. The calm and serene scenes of Yu Siang playing piano are delightful to watch, and they beautifully bring out the magic of his music.

Notably, the music in Touch of the Light is a significant part of the storytelling. The music and sound design enhance the narrative, helping the audience understand the story from Yu Siang’s perspective. The poignant piano scores punctuate each turn in the plot, embodying Yu Siang’s spirit and echoing his particular experiences of joy, sorrow, struggle, and triumph.

Touch of the Light offers a heartwarming exploration of dreams, resilience, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion even in the face of adversity. It is a surprisingly inspiring story that blends reality and fiction effectively. The film stays true to the spirit of Yu Siang’s life, evoking emotions and touching the hearts of the audience.

In a nutshell, Touch of the Light is more than just a film about a young musician's journey. It symbolizes hope, resilience, determination, and the power of dreams. It highlights the human spirit's indomitable will to overcome obstacles. Despite its quiet, understated approach, it has the ability to resonate deeply with viewers, inspiring them to face their life's challenges with courage and tenacity. Viewers are left with a renewed sense of hope and a buoyed spirit, eager to take on their own obstacles in pursuit of their dreams.