Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Topic Twelve: The Popularity of the Taiwanese-made Film "Cape #7"

Discussion Topic Twelve (2009/12/21~12/28):

Discussion Topic:
Made by Taiwanese and produced in Taiwan, the movie "Cape #7" has won tremendous popularity from people in Taiwan.  After winning domestic and international awards, this movie was on its way to win applauses from Japan and China.

(1) There have been many locally produced movies, what particular qualities or elements did this movie possess that had helped to win the hearts of many Taiwanese people?

(2) Which particular scene(s) in this movie has/had touched your heart most deeply?  And, why?


Cape #7 was released in 2008 and won an immediate hit in Taiwan.  It  was later released in Japan and China in 2009.  The theme songs in Mandarin Chinese and Japanese remain extremely popular in Taiwanese culture ever since its release.







The leading hero Van is a popular song singer  both in the film and in reality.  Two of his most popular songs from the film is "South of the Border" (國境之南) and "Making Merries: (無樂不做). 
In addition to his marked trait as a energetic and original rock singer and song writer, he himself is one of the  descendents  of the native Taiwanese -- the aboriginal inhabitants in southern Taiwan. His cultural heritage adds more vernacularity to the film.



The film entitled "1895 in Formosa" recorded faithfully one historical event happening during the handover of Taiwan to Japan after the Ching Goverment lost the battle with the Japanese Empire in 1894.  The story described the brave spirit embodied in Hakka men and women in defense of their own home against the invasion of foreign forces.  Their efforts were fertile in the long run and the people engaged in the fierce battles all sacrificed their lives.  However, their decendants today are still proud of what their ancesters had tried to do in the old times, and the enduring spirit of the Hakka people--hard working and royalty to their own cultural heritage--is deeply appreciated and respected. 

In the 1990s, Ang Lee directed the film Triology on a Taiwanese Father:  "Pushing Hands" (1992), "The Wedding Banquet"  (1993), and "Eat, Drink, Men, and Women" (1994).


"Pushing Hands"  was Ang Lee's first film.  He so-wrote the script for this movie, modelling the hero of this film on his own father.



"The Weddding Banquet" touches upon the issue of homosexuality vis-a-vis Chinese/Taiwanese traditional compulsion to produce offsprings through legal (hetero-sexual) marriage..












"Eat, Drink. Men, and Women" explores the delicious world of Chinese crusine and the delicated world of human appetites for love and sex, especially in the context of modern Chinese culture on Taiwan. 
Lee examined Taiwanese people's longing for a sweet family and nice food across generation divides in a family, where the father was a famous chef who lost his wife as well as his appetite for life itself.  Lee then told a story of how all the characters in the family, including three daughters and the chef himself, succeeded (or failed ) in  finding his/her own home.


All the three films won international applauses and led Ang Lee toward the international ultimate recognition as an  Oscar Best Director Award winner.  Through Lee's depiction of  Taiwanese people's values and life styles in these films, international audiences got a glimpse into the complex fabrics of modern Taiwanese culture through the character of the father, who was trapped between the past and the present, and between the Chinese and the Western.

58 comments:

  1. (1)I think the key to any successful movies is to have a good story. I think "Cape #7" does tell a very touching story.
    (2)I like the scene when the old lady opened the case, saw her own photo, and then read the long-awaited letters. It is a conclusion, a destination and also a stop sign for her wandering heart that has ached for so many years for her lost love.
    I really don't know whether I would like to be in her position.

    ~from Vinia

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  2. i am not a fan of this film, but i do agree that the atmosphere the film presents turely reflects the local spirit of taiwan. the characteritics of each roles can be easily identify with the taiwanese audience.

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  3. Honestly, I seldom watch Eastern films. I mean, actually I only watch Western films.
    But I do agree with Vinia, I like the ending scene that the old lady open the case and start to read the letters. It concluded not only the whole story of Cape #7, and also the wandering heart of the old lady.

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  4. 1.The movie is very inspiring and cultural.
    We can see that how people work hard to achieve their dreams in the movie. We can also heard many Taiwanese words which we are very familiar with. That really helped to win the hearts of many Taiwanese people.
    2. The scene when the band performed on the stage had touched my heart most deeply. From this scene, I feel the power of music. No music, no life. I really like the songs in this movie. 96540317 Jocelyn Chen

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  5. Well, I haven’t watched this movie because honestly, I’m not a big fan of Taiwanese movies. I think the qualities of Taiwanese movies are those elements of simplicity and sincereness, which reflect Taiwanese people.

    Jocelyn 96872304

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  6. Actually, I do not like this film because it is a little long and long-winded. I know there are so many Taiwanese people like this film and touch by the main characters’ love; however, as we make comparisons with foreign movies, we can find out that this movie is not carefully plotting at the story. But the great scene that I admire in this film is that it urges us to improve local environment in Taiwan.

    96540307 Millia

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  7. 1. I think the reason that Cape#7 can be such a hit is because of its cultural background and its language. First of all, about cultural background, the director chooses 恆春 as the shooting background, where all of us can identify with. Second, because most of the actors and actresses speak in Taiwanese, which Is also the language that we’re familiar with.
    2. I am touched when finally A-Ga delivers the six letters to the old Tomoko. It’s a nice ending. Also, I am touched when A-Ga is singing on the stage and expresses his feelings toward Tomoko. I can’t clearly describe why the moment is touching…I guess… it’s just beyond the description.

    Ann 96540344

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  8. I Think that the reason of Cape 7 to be so pupular a movie ever in Taiwan that many people discuss it for a long while is that it leaves original taste of Taiwanese culture that is expected but a bit lost to the audience.

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  9. the above comment is written by Eric

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  10. 96540324 Erin
    I think these movies can reflect spirits of Taiwan. we use our own language, and we show to people in our own ways to let people around the world know more about Taiwan. In cape 7, I specially love the sense when they are standing on the stage singing the songs. If you see the movie, you will know what is going on. They show their teamwork, and the show is perfect.

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  11. i'm 96540310 Lester. I think the exact quality for movies to win people's hearts is the theme which is not too far for us to reach. when the main theme is easy to reach, to attain, then the touching feeling would easily be achieved.

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  12. 1.I think the main reason why Cape #7 can be so popular in Taiwan is that the movie can truly reflect Taiwanese thinking and the usage of language. With an attractive story sturcture, the movie can be promoted to the world stage successfully; therefore, Cape #7 can create the highest viewership in local movies.

    2.I love the scene when 阿嘉 sang to 友子 on the stage at the last part of the movie, 友子 was touched and accepted the necklace which she sent to the police before. The necklace symbolizes the faithful love, so the police sent 友子 the necklace back and hoped her could have a happy ending with 阿嘉.

    96540325 Angela Chen

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  13. In my opinion, the reasons why Cape 7 can win tremendous popularity from people in Taiwan are followings. First, the using of Taiwanese language, since they’re so familiar words, including lots of filthy language used, Taiwanese people are familiar to them. Second, most characters are the normal people like us; the situations happened on them are truly the things we should face nowadays; they catch the dreams bravely, and inspire the audience. Third, the scene is filmed in the local Taiwan, although the places we are familiar with, the scene is filmed more beautiful than the image in our mind. It seems so marvelous. Finally, the story is the one which truly attracts me. I still remember the touching words,留下來,或者是我跟你走.

    96540327 Daisy

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  14. I have watched two Taiwanese movies, one is the Cape#7, and another one is Our Island, Our Dreams. The reason for me to watch this movie in the theater is that I think I have to support our movie. I would never feel regretful watching the two movies, and I like it very much. It shows me the traditional Taiwan in both of the two movies. In Cape#7, it also adds the Taiwanese language in it, and the movie is so funny, but I like Our Island, Our Dreams most. Because, it introduce me about King-men, and from the movie, I also learned something about those people who in the military service in King-men. I always think it must be very interesting, however, it’s not. It’s was very boring. Also their relationship catches me. The main male actor loves the main female actress, and other two male actor love the main female actress, too. It’s very complex relationship, but finally, they fall in love with each other. It’s a happy ending story.
    96540319 Emily

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  15. The reason why Taiwanese-made movies succeed is they show the Taiwanese culture. Cape7 is a good example. It was amazingly local. It describe normal people's dreams happened in the familiar place. We are so impressed because we feel we are part of it. Also, the interesting conversations are so funny. it made us burst into laughing. And the dirty words become so welcome in this movie because presented entertainingly.

    I like the all the characters performed on stage. Although they were all amateurs, they tried their best to show themselves(although in a funny way). But they succeed, everyone will applaud for them. This is a touching but entertaining movie!
    96540331 Josie

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  16. 96540313 Joy Chuang
    Well, first of all, the story featured in the movie was based on the time of Japanese’s rule. This somehow related to our culture and Taiwan’s history background. Second, the sense shot in this movie is very authentic, no fancy houses; in other words, it is closed to our realities, not like Hollywood’s movie.
    The scene which was caved in my brain was at the very end of this movie; it was when the main character, mail carrier, bought the mail to the receiver who should have received the mail. This was the most touching scene because between these years, this woman might have been waiting for her lover who had gone back to Japan. What she waited for might be just some words from the man, though they didn’t have the chance to spend life together.

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  17. (1) It is an impressive and touching movie, and the characters and life styles are close to us; therefore, Taiwanese people can easily identify with the roles of the movie. That’s the reason why this movie is so popular in Taiwan.
    (2) I am impressed by the scene that the band sings on the stage in the last plot. The audience cheer the performers as they perform on the stage, and A-Ga’s voice and others performance are wonderful. We can know that every successful performance needs to pay many efforts after see this movie.

    96540315 Betty

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  18. {1} I think it is very important to have a good plot if you want to draw audiences' attention. Cape #7 did success in this part. Besides, it build a connection between us and the movie by the language is used. This is what so called familarity.
    {2} Ireally like the part that they had a success opening on the concert. Actually, I was touched by their spirit of forming a band from zero to all what we have seen. That is a beautiful picture, right?
    96540341 Ella

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  19. The story is wrote about the Japanese colonial rule and now. In taiwan our parents or grandparents might go through that time, so they might feel familiar with it, or the story was just happened at that time. Young people might like the music they made. The melodies were just right match the movie. With so many coincidence, The Cape #7 was loved by Taiwaninese people.

    When the leading hero 'a-ga' sang the song '野玫瑰', my tear just came out. because it is the time that the old 友子 saw the letters, i was so emtional that i finally can see the good ending. I am also think about that my parents walked hand-in-hand to see the movie, and also was the first time they went to the movie. They love this song, too. So, when i heard this song , my tear dropped.
    96540334 Paula

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  20. Locally produced movies are the access to gain Taiwan’s identities in the world. In the films, the beautiful scenery in Taiwan attracts the audience attention. As local people, we are proud of we have those wonderlands in our own country. Also, it promotes Taiwan’s tourism industry. In addition to sightseeing, the storyline reflects Taiwan is a multiple centralism society. Just like Cape No.7, it shows that Taiwan was colonized by Japan before. And the aboriginals culture in east part of Taiwan could make people raise the attention to those tribes which are almost be forgotten as time goes by. The language is an important factors in those movies. Taiwanese and Mandarin are two major spoken languages in Taiwan. Cape No.7 makes the best use of this point. Unlike the movies pronounced in foreign languages, it makes people feel free to enjoy the production.
    I have a great impression on 茂伯 insist to join the band with his favorite instrument, which young generations don’t familiar with. It makes me think of the old traditions is getting out of our minds as time goes by. Even though time changes, some old things still can not be substituted by other things.
    by 96540321 Julia

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  21. Most of locally produced movies point out some problems that have been existing in our society for a long time so does this movie “Cape#7.” In the movie, we could see that most young men prefer to stay in the city rather than in the countryside. Besides, the dubbing of locally produced movies is usually Mandarin, and the cast are most Chinese. This make locally produced movies friendly to people like our parents and even grandparents who might not be used to Hollywood movies. Also, most of locally produced movies in recent years all add popular ingredients such as pop music and idols into these movies for attracting younger generations. From all these, we could observe that the development of locally produced movies made a big progress no matter in quality, topic, and so on. Moreover, the popularity of them also helps bring up the tourism industries in Taiwan and it is really good! The scene has touched my heart most deeply is when the policeman gives the necklace back to Miss Tomoko and says “Mine is my endless missing for my wife.” In this movie, the old lady Tomoko waits for her love in her entire life as well as the policeman. The love stories of them impressed me a lot!

    96540345 Angela, Hu

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  22. I think Cape NO.7 is a movie which wins many viewers heart. It shows how people lead their lives in the country side of Taiwan. Their life is really simple. The characters in the movie are always showing how they feel directly to others. They treat other sincerely. They are not fake at all. The movie reflects the characteristics of most Taiwanese people. It resonates with the audience. When people watch particular scenes, they will feel the same way as the characters in the movie. And I think that is the reason why the movie can get a big success.

    Before watching Cape NO.7, I heard my friends discuss about the movie. It was very weird that most of audience was impressed by the line: Stay or I go with you. Many people thought it was really romantic. However, I thought the scene was too short. I could not feel how strong the scene was. Therefore, I liked the scene that heroine accepted the meaningful necklace more. It represented that she accepted A-Ga’s love. Also, she would stay and get together with A-Ga. I think this scene was much more important than the romantic scene.
    96540329 Sharon

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  23. 1. My opinion is that those movies unanimously depict the Taiwanese locals particular lifestyle; also, the dialogues presented with Taiwanese distinguished accent are so friendly that seemingly no barriers between the actors and the Taiwanese audience.
    2. The last moment when the granny sitting on the bench reading the letter that she should have received years ago touches me the most. I even have the vision that she would burst into tears and suddenly the sweet memory during her youth flash back. I indeed hope the lady won’t faint when she discover the letter she has been waiting for long. After all, Cape #7 is a film full of joy, old lady faints at the last doesn’t suit the happy ending.

    By 96540333 Jennifer

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  24. For me, I seldom see locally produced movies, because I think most of them are not interesting. However, Cape# 7 is a very nice locally produced movie which I have ever seen, because it reveals the true culture and custom of Taiwan. It makes Taiwanese people feel closely and friendly.
    There is a scene which has touched my heart most. They perform at the stage together, and Tomoko and A-Ga look at each other. Although they encounter many difficulties during the process of their practicing, they finally perform well. Moreover, during their performance, there is one scene which Tomoko and A-Ga look at each other emotional. I think it means that they accept each other.

    96540323 Gladys

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  25. I think the reason that this movie wins many Taiwanese hearts because of its cultural background and using Taiwanese language. It will be very exiting to watch a movie that use your native language and talk about your own culture. The other thing is that, those scenes that mention might happen to anyone now a day. Besides, characters in the movie are so lovely and adorable. I love all the characters in the movie.

    When the band performed on the stage was the most touching part for me because you could see the passion in their eyes when the play music and how much their music cherish and inspired the audience. The other scene that I like and I was waiting for it, it was when the old lady opened the box of the letters and read them. I love this movie a lot.

    Kezhan 96540350

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  26. At first, I didn’t go to the movie theater to see this movie. However, my classmates told me that Cape #7 was really touching. Finally, I decided to buy a DVD to see the story with my parents. Generally speaking, I thought why this movie was so popular and particular toward many Taiwanese people was because of its language. In this movie, main characters massively use Taiwanese as their communicative language. When Taiwanese people saw this movie, they would feel kind of familiar. Also, Cape #7 which used a musical band as its main story line was its successful part because it connected the story plot with two songs. And, these two songs became unbelievable popular after Cape #7 released.

    I thought the most touching scene that touched my heart most deeply was Van sang a song “south of the Border” to the Japanese girl. At that moment, I though Van made his decision about wanting to be with her and waiting for her response. And, Japanese girl agreed happily. It was a happy ending not only because both Van and Japanese girl were together, but also representing their cooperation.

    commented by Frank 96540314

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  27. Cape NO.7 is a popular comedy film in Taiwan now, and its culture and life style are close us. Hence, we can realize this film deeply. Besides, the actor is also popular with many people; even teacher crash on him deeply. 96540305 Cherry

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  28. (1) Reasons that Cape No.7 wins the hearts of many Taiwanese people is that it appeals to local sensibilities. Also, it makes people laugh, and all characters are well-cast. We like those characters and we're glad they're onscreen.

    (2) I think that Cape No.7 touched my heart most deeply. It is a phenomenon of both film and music. I was touched by those songs, especailly "South of the Border". Aga expresses his love to Tomoko by singing and looking at her sincerely. For me, it's romantic!

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  29. i am not really a big fan of locally produced movies, and i didn't watch the entire "cape no.7", only the beginning section and then i left the theater. there were too much cuss in it and since i don't really understand taiwanese i couldn't really fit into the atmosphere raised by the movie, which is sad, cause when everybody is talking about how good the movie was, i couldn't get involved with all these talks, so yeah, but i do like the background music though, i've seen tv shows lately performing the songs from cape no.7 and it was touching.

    Michelle 96540451

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  30. The reasons why "Cape #7" can touch so many people's heart are for its "difficulties" and "beauty words".
    Difficulties because they live in the different country and on eof them have to leave one day. Beauty words, for example, "留下來,或者我跟你走。" is a famous one. Taiwan's movies like to ues touch words for the audiences. On the other hand, Taiwanese like to see those words as well.
    What qualities would touch the audiences?
    1. Sacrifice.
    2. Fairy tales' words.
    3. Heroic spirit.
    4. Beauty words.


    96540348-Alexa

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  31. I think the key to win the hearts of Taiwanese people is that the movie evoked our Taiwanese self-identification!With our language, our sense of humor and the familiar scenes, Taiwanese got easily into the plot and the message directors wanted to transmit.
    Besides the love between the main characters embellished by the 60-year long lost love, the scenes that i like most were when the band were practicing. The scenes were full of local bond and at the same time drawing people to pursue with them their dream. It was just a simple way to describe this beautiful bond and dream.

    by Anita 95540458

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  32. 1) In my opinion, the reason why Cape #7 could be so popular was because of its lines and plot. I went to the theater to watch this movie with my roomates. When watching the movie, all of the audience laughed because of what 茂伯 says. His lines were so interesting that everybody fell in love with this character. I like the story of the movie as well. I think is a smart way to connect the past and present time together. Besides, the director presented it fluently. It is easy for the audiences to indulge themselves in the movie.

    2) The scene impresses me the most is the concert. I like the the songs and the atmosphere of the concert. It would be perfect if I were one of the audiences.

    by Amy 96540339

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  33. I think it is the familiartiy and realistic plots connected with our daily lige that make me love this movie. It makes me think of the cuteness and friendliness of Taiwanese.
    The scene that I remeber the most is when the actor in the movie said "stay here with me or I can go to anywhere with you" to the actress. That is so romantic and touching. This line have been popular after the movie was released.

    95540450 Annie Chang

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  34. (1)I don’t know why, but when considering about “Taiwanese movies”, I always think of those series directed by 朱延平 and Jacky Wu. They are indeed funny, but they lack of the chemicals which can touch the audience. I think the reason why most people like to watch western movies instead of local ones is that western movies are usually shot with huge funds. The scenes seem to be more spectacular, and the casts are super. However, watching too much Hollywood commercial films makes the audience tired. When seeing this local movie which is full of Taiwanese language and culture (both traditional and pop), people fell in love with it. The history-based sad romance is combined with love story in this generation and popular songs. Bang! A blockbuster is created.
    (2)The scene in Cape No.7 which has touched me the most is near the end of this movie. Young Tomoko stands in the wharf with a crowd of people trying to find her beloved teacher who has boarded the ship back to Japan. Though they love each other, the environment doesn’t permit their love to keep going on. Most important of all, it’s the cowardice of the Japanese teacher that separates himself and Tomoko forever. What if he sent out the mails on time? And what if he made up his mind to bring Tomoko back to Japan or just stay here in Taiwan like what A Ga says? It’s so sad that the teacher even dares not to wave his hands saying good-bye to Tomoko. Besides, I appreciate Rachel Liang’s debut acting a lot. She did act out the shock and sadness of Tomoko. It seems that she wants to say good-bye or call the teacher’s name, but it’s just too noisy around her and it’s too sad for her to actually say something out.

    By Jimmy 96540340

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  35. I think the movie’s plot which represents Taiwan’s society and culture especially in southern part of Taiwan, and also the humorous tone of the movies led the movie a great success among Taiwanese people.

    As many of my classmates, I like the scene when the old lady opens the box and finds the most unexpected, heartbreaking yet long wandered for stuffs inside it.

    Bahyan 96540352

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  36. 1. In this movie, many lyrics were presented in taiwanese. it's a unique phenomenon which is seldom to see in recent taiwan movie. People like me who speak taiwanese will feel much more familiar with the scene. I believe it's the most significant factors why this movie can be so successful.
    2. the most unforgettable part to me is when 茂伯 said that "I am a national treasure." it's so funny cuz he said a dirty word afterward. it's common in taiwanese style conversation.

    95540326 Gary

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  37. 96540342 Grace
    The Cape No.7 is my favorite Taiwanese moive. The unique sense of humor and touching love of the roles make people fall in love with this movie. And the songs of it are really beautiful,I enjoy these great works deeply.
    The most touching part of Cape No.7 for me is when the main actor asks the main actress not to leave. The love between them are so real that they cannot ignore it and leave each other. This scene touches me so much.

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  38. In “Cape No.7”, the characters and the simple plots are factors to win the hearts of many Taiwanese people. Cape No. 7 is combined with music, love story, and history. It reflects Taiwanese society. This movie is not like other movie; it doesn’t have the luxury scene and characters. However, its simple and local plots attract Taiwanese.
    In “Cape No. 7”, I think the scene of 阿嘉 held 友子 tightly at the beach. It’s really touching. Suddenly, the silence presents their love.

    96540326 Ronne

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  39. (1) I think one element is the completeness of the story. The story of Cape No.7 is very complete. From the beginning of the movie, it describes the Japanese teacher and the Taiwanese student. The teacher just went back to Japan and left Yoko in Taiwan. After so many years, those letters are sent back by the teacher’s daughter. Then A-Ga, the leading actor in this movie, is the person who is going to finish this story. In the end, he sent the letters to Tomoko. By doing this, the whole story is finished. Actually, this is just a part of the entire story in this movie. Another story is about A-Ga and Tomoko, another girl who has the same name as the student before. They finally get together in the end. Also, Dada’s mom has another story, which is that Yoko is her grandmother. In the end of this movie, these mysteries are all solved. I don’t think language is a major element which makes this movie so popular. We have so much movies which the characters speak Chinese and Taiwanese in them, but seldom of them will give us a strong impression.

    (2) The scene when the teacher is going to leave Taiwan impresses me the most. Tomoko stands on the harbor, searching for her beloved teacher and looking forward to the happiness. However, the teacher just hides under the fence of the ship. He not only hides his body, but also his true feelings about Tomoko. This scene makes a big contradictory between the two people. That’s why I am touched.

    96540306 Alan

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  40. In my perspective, the particular elements this movie possesses lies in the fact that it is very close to us. The language used by the casts was very local so that we got to know their connotations and it was very catchy and impressive to we Taiwanese at the same time. In addition, the settings were close to us as well. Although it was kind of different from the city life we now live, it took place where we used to live in our childhood, which was not only familiar to us but we had many memories in it. What is more, the plot was well-organized as well. And yet, the most important element is the love story (between 阿嘉 and 友子and the old lady and her lover). For me, every movie that intended to win the audience’s heart should include love scenes, just like this movie did. On the other hand, the songs appeared in the film was also a crucial factor to complete its success. It was beautifully played which aggreeably conformed to the atmosphere and setting fashioned in the movie. With moving melodies, all of the setting touched the audience’s heart and made them have a dream that they were as if one of the members in the movie. It was these things altogether that won our heart. As for the particular scene that touched my heart, I would choose the scene when the band was playing the song they’ve practiced so long but still cannot seemed to match altogether very well. I felt so proud of them that they eventually made it!! It was the love and the lucky necklace from the heroine that worked!
    四英四 95540456 Charlene

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  41. Taiwan has released a lot of locally produced movies. However, not every one of them is so famous and successful like Cape No. 7. No matter the successful ones or the unsuccessful ones, the common element of locally produced movies is they always add Taiwan’s own culture. What’s more, they may use Taiwanese to being close to the audience.

    I have seen Cape No.7 for times; I have no doubts about why it is so popular. It’s really a good movie. My favorite in this movie which has touched my heart most deeply is a sentence. It was the time when Tomoko said that she will leave Taiwan after the concert; A-Ga told her that “Stay, or I’ll go with you.” How beautiful and heart-warmed.. I was so touched when I saw this scene. The only reason why I would be touched maybe is just because that I’m still a young girl who likes the romantic words.

    96540335 Cindy

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  42. To be honest, I think the main plot of Cape #7, which I mean the part of finding out the location of Cape#7, is not the main reason why it wins the heart of Taiwanese audience. Instead, it’s all about the familiarity that audience found in this movie. Audience could identify themselves as the main roles in this movie.

    Actually I really like every scene that presented the spirit of unity, for example, the scene that everybody worked together to deliver the letters that A-Ga deliberately forgot to deliver.
    Annon 96540320

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  43. The true characteristic of the actors, like Old Mao, helped to win the hearts of many Taiwanese people. The funny conversations make people like watching it. The kind of story depicted in Cape No.7 is seldom seen in Taiwanese movies. People feel fresh and love its style.

    The scene when the concert begins touched my heart most deeply. I am not sure it was because Aga has just revealed his love for Tomoko or because their hard work and preparation are paid off. Maybe it was both. I love seeing people who love each other to get together. I love happy endings.

    96540303 Ivy

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  44. 1) I think the particular quality is to touch people’s heart. Even though characters in the movie are not as beautiful or handsome as super stars in Hollywood, their sincere acting does touch people’s heart in Taiwan. What they act in the movie can truly represent countryside people in south Taiwan. Also, lines in the movie are humor and funny, which can totally represent Taiwanese style.

    2) The leading hero hugs the heroine beside the beach at sunset and says “Stay or I go with you”. When I saw this scene, I was touched by what the leading hero said. I believe when a boy say that to a girl, it means that he is totally in love with her; wherever the girl go, he will follow her without any complain. If a boy say so to me, I will definitely tear happily.

    96540328 Erita

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  45. I think this movie portrays characters in the normal people’s life. It connects the audiences and the movie. Different from other movie focusing on the history or the friendship and familyship, the movie Cape #7 focuses on the life experience and the daily conversations among local people. In addition, the native characteristics and humorous talks in the move win Taiwanese hearts.

    I like the scene that the concert is starting. The final countdown and the exiting moment make me impressed. Then, it’s the happiest moment in the movie. Besides, I think the music is the soul of the movie. It can make audience have great impression after watching it.

    96540343 Carol

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  46. I think the plot of the movie Cape #7 is fresh but it actually sort of lacks content. Its success builds on its language and cultural background and its realistic presentation of Taiwan. However, I think another Taiwanese movie, orz boy, is much better than Cape #7 because orz boy could make people think.

    96540322 Jasmine

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  47. Many critics have negative appreciation toward the movie Cape #7, though it was a tremendous success and even went international. They say the movie is vulgar because it involves too many Taiwanese slang and the plot lacks organization. However, I think Director Wei did not mean to play with Taiwanese slang or any other racial issues in Taiwan just to make his work more popular. In rural Taiwan, many elder people went to the theater and enjoy this movie as well as the youngsters. This is very noteworthy that it is very rare for older generations to going to a movie. Yet, natural conversation and rural setting are exactly what attract them and get them involved. Aside the plot that makes them feel sympathetic, the elders actually talk like the way the characters talk. As a result, Cape #7 makes them feel easy and relaxed to watch, more importantly, the movie makes them feel comprehensible since it illustrates their daily life and do not make them feel awkward being in the theater. The strong local flavor and Taiwanese oriented style make Cape #7 a great success as it appeals to people from the urban and rural, from old to young.

    Melissa Wong 95540455

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  48. First of all, I think language plays a very important role in the success of Cape#7. Take Lee Ang for example; although he has made lots of great movies, these are English. When we are watching Cape#7, we will have a strange feeling because it is Chinese. It is hard to describe the feeling. It seems that what they are talking about is so familiar. Those are things that may happen or are really happening in our life. Take Uncle Mao and the chief for example; when they are speaking Taiwanese, it is so easy for us to feel interesting and funny. That is the way that we talk in our life. Second, Cape#7 makes Taiwan a high class and beautiful island. Lots of Taiwanese movies that we can see from the movie make Taiwan a low class place. Those pictures are bad. Those lines are nonsense and meaningless. We all know that Cape#7’s filming location is in Hengchun. The director successfully makes everyone see the beauty of Hengchun.

    The scene in Cape#7 which has touched my heart most deeply is when A-Chia leaves all the letters on the chair without letting the grandmother notice. This story line is what the movie about. Everyone expects the result. Of course, everyone likes happy ending. Although it is not quiet a whole complete happy ending, (because the grandmother’s lover is dead, and both of them cannot be together again) we are still glad that the grandmother receive the letters. It may unlock and eliminate all the questions and confusions. The director does not show us the scene after the grandmother read the letters. I think that is good because it leaves us the space for imagination and the talking topic to discuss.

    96540332 Mark

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  49. Elements that this movie possess and help to win the hearts of many Taiwanese people are love stories and its plot shows in a familiar style to the audience in Taiwan and it's not like other films that are out of touch with reality.
    One of the most touching scenes in this movie is the leading actor finally delivering those love letters to the grandmother with the voice of her lover wishing her to be happy though they can't be together. It's a pity that lovers can not be together. Although things have changed, they still keep their love for each other deeply in their hearts. That’s really touching!

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  50. To be honest, Taiwanese films do not attract me so much until I saw Cape No.7. Cape No.7 wass the first Taiwanese film that I watched at movie theater. I think the quality that a successful Taiwanese film possesses is familarity. Just like what we saw in Cape No.7, what we saw was exactly happening in our daily lives. Besides, after watching Cape No.7, I find Kenting is attractive and touching for me.

    96540337 Amanda

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  51. They truly present Taiwanese culture without prettifying. For example, Cape #7 shows an affinity for our local people. People won’t feel the sense of distance. And the conversations among the impersonators are accessible, just like the talks among the friends. Due to those elements, they win the hearts of many Taiwanese people.
    In the movie of Cape #7, for me, the most impressive scene was A-ga (阿嘉) and his band members performed on the stage. When A-ga jumped up out of the stage, I was totally touched and got goose bumps. This scene has touched my heart most deeply is because that although this makeshift band was constituted by the amateurs, they all tried their best. Their spirit is worthwhile learning.

    By 96540347 Lisa

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  52. I think the story is one of the most crucial elements to be a good movie. Besides, the actors/actresses also play a role. Take Cape #7 as an example. Although its content is not categorized as something like “meaningful”, “educational”, or “culturally valuable”, it brings its audience a rather relaxing and cheerful atmosphere instead. People love it not only because of its funny and entertaining effect, but also its because of its heart-touching story. There’s no serious issue, no complicated historical background which bore people. I think that’s why it wins so many people’s hearts and becomes a hit in 2008. My favorite scene is opening of the movie when Van said “我操,我操你媽的台北”. I think he speaks most Taiwanese’s heart sound.

    95540333 Katie

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