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Edward Yang's epic Yi Yi is a film that equally examines and celebrates life. In many ways, the film simply observes every day living and is more focused on happenings then it is on plot. Recalling the work of his idol (the master Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu) Yang flawlessly captures everyday living while often questioning it's meaning through the lives of a family in Taipei (Taiwan). Despite it's focus of the complexities of a families everyday life in Taiwan, the films themes are universal and can be cherished all over the world. Even with it's simplicity, Yi Yi is a film full of depth and this is captured best through Yang's epic narrative which follows three generations of the family. Also Yang captures the reflective atmosphere of the film by showing much of the action through windows as if we are peeking in at this family. The running time is almost three hours, yet not a moment is wasted and the film really never gets boring. Yang uses a cast of non-professional actors, yet they all are convincing (especially Wu Nien-jen as the father of the family). Yi Yi is a highly recommended film for all audiences. It is a life-affirming film to celebrate and cherish.
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