As a film critic with a background in East Asian studies and a parent of two curious children, I found “Old Fox” to be a compelling and thought-provoking tale that resonated deeply with my personal and professional experiences. The story’s exploration of altruism versus self-interest, set against the backdrop of Taiwan’s economic bubble in 1989, offers a poignant commentary on societal issues that remain relevant today.
Located in Taipei during the financial boom of 1989, the Taiwanese film “Old Fox,” an Oscar submission, offers a compelling exploration of altruism versus self-interest, and the pervasive inequalities that exist. In his fourth directorial venture, Hsiao Ya-Chuan tells the story of Liao Jie (played by Bai Run-yin), an 11-year-old boy raised in poverty by his caring father, Liao Tai-lai (Liu Kuan-Ting), who works as a waiter at a bustling banquet hall. On a rainy day, the tormented child catches the attention of their landlord, the affluent Boss Xie (Akio Chen), also known as Old Fox due to his shrewdness. Moved by the boy’s struggles, Old Fox endeavors to share with Jie the lessons he learned on his path to wealth and influence.
The screenplay, penned by director Chan I-wen and co-writer, was inspired by director Hsiao’s efforts to elucidate concepts of fairness and justice to his own kids. In this work, they craft a compelling ethical dilemma for their youthful lead character, one that is sure to spark conversations between parents and children. Notably, the film was among Taiwan’s most honored productions in 2023, garnering numerous accolades at both the Golden Horse Awards and the Taipei International Film Festival.
Under the sway of the imposing Old Fox, who roams the neighborhood in luxury vehicles like limousines or sports cars, young Jie finds himself captivated by the allure of power that wealth and exclusive knowledge seem to offer. The lifestyle and beliefs of this influential figure stand in stark contrast to those of his thrifty father, who relies heavily on the generosity of family, friends, and even strangers for support.
The Old Fox maintains a belief that showing empathy is weak and that standing with powerful individuals is essential for success. To disregard others’ viewpoints, he follows a method: drinking cold water, closing his eyes, and repeating, “It doesn’t concern me.
The film’s central theme revolves around life’s essential values, but it also includes dramatic subplots involving the underdeveloped main female characters, neither of whom are adequately concluded. It is revealed that the charming Tai-lai’s former sweetheart, Jun-mei (Mugi Kadowaki), is now unhappily wedded to an abusive competitor of the Old Fox. She often visits the banquet hall, sitting in Tai-lai’s section and sending him meaningful glances, along with generous tips. However, we don’t learn if her relationship with Tai-lai will resume after her husband abuses her. The story leaves this aspect unresolved.
In the meantime, Eugenie Liu (formerly known as Lin Chen-chen), a beautiful ex-dancehall hostess, now works for an elderly man known as Old Fox, assisting him in various tasks including rent collection. She often visits Tai-lai and Jie’s modest home, bringing them pastries as a kind gesture. When the father and son fall sick, she goes out of her way to aid them. However, when Old Fox learns about a careless conversation she had with his rival, she endures harsh treatment and is seldom mentioned again.
In this film, Jie and Old Fox are the characters that stand out with well-developed personalities, and the actors portraying them deliver excellent performances. The movie’s production design brilliantly immerses you into the bustling neighborhood where the Lia family resides; it feels like you can catch a whiff of noodles being cooked at the street food stalls beneath their apartment. However, Chris Hou’s score, while often effective, occasionally misses the mark.
Director Hsiao, who initially worked under the esteemed Taiwanese filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien, has not yet reached the level of mastery in his craft, but displays promising talent, and undeniably, he is a director with a deep sense of humanity.
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2024-11-25 22:16