Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?

In the compelling 2013 dramatic comedy film, Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?, we delve into the contrasting yet relatable worlds of unfulfilled desires, personal identities, and social expectations.

Taiwanese visionaire, Arvin Chen, skillfully directs this dramedic gem, featuring a stellar cast including music superstar Richie Jen, bastion of indie music Mavis Fan, and talented actor Chin-Hang Shih. It gracefully explores the themes of love and fidelity with an honest regard for the complexity of human emotions, making it a truly remarkable cinematic experience.

The film centers on Weichung (played by Richie Jen), an optometrist living a seemingly ordinary life in Taipei. Weichung is happily married to the hard-working and diligent Feng (Mavis Fan). Their domestic calmness prevails alongside their precocious son, creating the picture-perfect, middle-class Taiwanese family. However, beneath this tranquil surface lurks Weichung's struggle with his sexual identity and his yearning for the company of men, a longing he gave up after marrying Feng. This suppressed reality starts to ignite when an old friend resurfaces and a captivating, free-spirited flight attendant, Thomas (Chin-Hang Shih), enters the scene.

Simultaneously, Weichung’s sister Mandy (Kimi Hsia) is spiraling towards her own life-changing dilemma. Engaged to the faithful but mundane San-San (Stone), she begins to question her uptight fiancé and the traditional life that awaits her. Mandy's cold feet red flag her impending betrothal, leading her down a comedic path of self-exploration and solace in her brother, Weichung.

Throughout the film, Arvin Chen demonstrates an impressive fluidity in alternating between the storylines of Weichung and Mandy. He does this remarkably without diluting the intensity of their unique situations. In what appears to be his trademark insightful and warm style, he tactfully contrasts Weichung’s intense personal struggle with Mandy’s light-hearted existential crisis. The film seamlessly merges family, culture, and personal aspiration, anchoring its narrative firmly within the context of modern-day Taipei without losing the universality of its themes.

Richie Jen portrays the turmoil of Weichung's internal struggle exceptionally well, as he yearns for something more than his prescribed life yet fears hurting the ones he loves. The subtlety with which Richie captures this turmoil allows audiences to be empathetic to Weichung's plight. On the other hand, Mavis Fan graces the screen as Feng with a blend of poise and vulnerability that resonates with anyone who's ever loved wholeheartedly. Together, they create a relatable couple grappling their way through a labyrinth of hidden desires and societal pressures.

Chin-Hang Shih brings an element of wonder and excitement through the character of the lively flight attendant, Thomas. His endearing portrayal personifies Weichung's suppressed longings. Complementing this picture, the ever-talented Kimi Hsia, as Mandy, delivers a performance that is as hilarious as it is impactfully sincere, adding a layer of comedic relief that delicately balances the film's intense themes.

While the film focuses on personal navigation through life, it also makes prominent socio-cultural commentary, particularly about societal pressures and norms around marriage. The film intelligently throws light on the struggle of being different in a world dominated by standard cultural notions and provides a fresh perspective towards understanding one's identity, whether sexual, personal, or societal.

Despite the somewhat heavy themes, humor is an integral part of this charming film. This combination of deep issues with light-hearted jest makes it a true dramedy, where the characters' predicaments relate to the viewers while also making them laugh.

Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? is filmed with the allure of Taipei as its backdrop. The compelling performances, engaging storylines, and Arvin Chen's nuanced direction combine to create a captivating film that not only entertains but also stirs meaningful reflection. It's a charmingly humorous yet profoundly reflective journey into the lives of characters that echo the dilemmas of contemporary Taiwanese society, and indeed, societies worldwide, making it a film worth watching.