A Place of One’s Own

In "A Place of One's Own" director Lou Yi-An amusedly observes the myriad of odd behaviors people engage in when preparing for the afterlife. The real and abstract meanings of space prove to be questions of vital importance both in this life and in the hereafter.

The first half of the film preoccupies itself with Muzi - a rock musician whose career is in a decline. To make things worse his relationship with fellow-artist and girlfriend Kassey is unraveling, and he is facing eviction from his apartment. The second part of the story introduces us to an origami artist by the name of Lin. Faced with terminal cancer and about to lose his home to two businessmen who want to turn the property into a burial-ground for their dying father, Lin throws himself into the task of creating a gigantic origami mausoleum for himself where he can spend the afterlife.

"A Place of One's Own" is a carefully structured, poignant and darkly funny companion piece of sorts to the internationally acclaimed "God Man Dog" which Lou Yi-an co-wrote. Addressing many of the same issues it explores the themes of dispossession and fascination with local customs. Beautifully shot it becomes a vibrant portrait of modern life in the Capital of Taiwan.
LEE BLANCHARD

Orig. title
YI SHI ZHI DE: Cast
Mo Tzuyi, Jack Kao, Lu Yi Ching: Producer
Singing Chen: Script
Lou Yi-An, Singing Chen: Cinematography
Shen Ko Shang: Music
Show Sholoy: Spoken language
MANDARIN, TAIWANESE: Subtitle
English