Zinnia Flower

Zinnia Flower is a heartfelt Taiwanese drama film from 2015 directed by Tom Lin-Shu-Yu, featuring an acclaimed cast including Karena Lam, known for her performances in Inner Senses (2002) and July Rhapsody (2002), Chin-Hang Shih of P.S. Girlfriend (2018) fame and up-and-coming actor Bryan Shu-Hao Chang, who has been praised for his roles in GF*BF (2012) and Days of Our Own (2016).

The movie centers around two people who navigate the incalculable landscape of pain and grief after losing their loved ones in the same car accident. Forced to face life's harsh realities, each undertakes the difficult journey towards healing their broken hearts and dealing with the loss, albeit in distinctly different ways. The film thoughtfully delves into the psychological intricacies of resolving inner conflict, understanding the complexity of human emotions, and the profound journey of moving on after loss.

Karena Lam plays Ming, a Taipei-based teacher who loses her husband in an unfortunate accident. With her husband's death, she is burdened with the horrifying reality of moving forward alone, embarking on a soul-searching journey to deal with the predicament. She chooses to withdraw into her shell, isolating herself from her surroundings to understand her loss and redefine her life's purpose, and allowing audience members a glimpse into her thought-provoking world.

Chin-Hang Shih portrays a middle-aged businessman, Yu-Sen, whose seven months pregnant wife dies in the same accident, leaving him with the heartbreaking task of grappling with the dual loss of a spouse and an unborn child. Shih portrays his struggle with profound expressiveness, showcasing a finely nuanced performance that highlights the character's unflinching courage and inner turmoil. Yu-Sen takes an outward, socially-oriented approach to cope with his loss, which starkly contrasts Ming's solitude.

Bryan Shu-Hao Chang breathes life into his role as the supportive mutual friend, adding poignant moments to the narrative and serving as a critical link between the two primary characters.

Complementing the emotional storyline, Zinnia Flower's visual narrative is a remarkable aspect of the film. The film is shot mostly in Taipei city, interspersed with scenic shots of Japan. The slick cinematography exemplifies delicate framing and lighting, crafting a poignant atmosphere that stays with the audience long after the credits roll. Additionally, the movie's name, "Zinnia Flower," serves as a thought-provoking metaphor throughout the film. Zinnias are flowers that symbolize remembrance, and are an apt metaphor for the narrative's exploration of grief, loss, and the idea of preserving memories.

The film does a commendable job exploring the aftermath of a tragedy from a unique and introspective perspective. It also presents an intimate yet deeply relatable portrayal of the universal human experience of grief and loss, and the subsequent resilience of the human spirit. Zinnia Flower does not shy away from the complex emotions and experiences endured during such tragic periods, but instead, portrays them with sensitivity and raw honesty.

Zinnia Flower received critical acclaim for its gripping storyline, powerhouse performances, and sublime cinematography. Particularly commendable is Karena Lam's portrayal of Ming, which won her the Best Actress award at the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan, widely considered the Chinese-speaking world's equivalent of Academy Awards.

Zinnia Flower is more than just a film; it is an emotional journey deeply rooted in the human experience of love, loss, and recovery. It is an exploration of grief and the resilient human spirit dealing with the universal themes of life and death, healing and acceptance, memory, and moving on. Simultaneously heart-wrenching yet inspiring, this film is a testament to human resilience and a tribute to those seeking solace and strength in life's most challenging times. Through the darkness of grief and the labyrinth of loss, Zinnia Flower shines a light on the endless possibilities of finding hope and redemption, making it a must-watch for fans of powerful, thought-provoking cinema.