Meeting Dr. Sun

Meeting Dr. Sun, directed by Yee Chih-Yen, is a 2014 Taiwanese comedy-drama film that presents a lively coming-of-age story of friendship, self-discovery, and rebellion against authority. The film stars Bryan Shu-Hao Chang, Hsiao-chuan Chang, and Na-Dou Lin, and it's deeply entrenched in the socio-economic complexities that but intensified in the Taiwanese context.

The plot of Meeting Dr. Sun centers around Lefty, an impoverished student portrayed by Bryan Shu-Hao Chang, and Sky, played by Hsiao-chuan Chang, both being neglected and silenced by their school and families. The symbolism of the film's title becomes clear as two desperate and dispossessed eighth graders who never met before, both being ignored to the point they feel invisible, decide to steal a neglected bronze statue of Sun Yat-Sen from their school to sell for cash.

Lefty, owing his nickname to his habit of leading with his left while walking, is a good-natured but poor adolescent from a broken home. His father is unemployed due to illness, and his mother is constantly working to make ends meet. Lefty represents many teenagers' experiences, capturing the social reality of economic hardship and how it affects the youth. Despite the adversities, Lefty maintains a positive spirit and an entrepreneurial mindset that he puts into action to overcome his economic distress.

Sky is a similarly underprivileged student facing his struggles. Sky comes from a single-parent home, is socially isolated, and also struggles with financial difficulties, which are displayed in his near-silent presence at school. The two boys share a lot in common, but they first come into conflict, each unaware that the other also plans to steal the same statue, splitting the screen, often shown separately. This begins as each trying to foil the other, only to discover their common plight.

A crucial third character in this adventure is the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, the founding father of Republican China. The statue, which is taken as a symbol of authority and national identity, takes on different meanings for different characters. For Lefty and Sky, it represents a way out of their economic hardship. They see the statue not as an idol of reverence but as a neglected commodity they can turn into a quick profit to salvage their lives.

The film's narrative unravels in an irony-infused storytelling format, where the absurdity of teenagers planning to steal a heavy bronze statue is set against a backdrop of their desperation and determination. There is a balancing act between light-hearted humor, heart-warming friendship, and raw social commentary throughout the film that makes it an endearing watch. The characters are well fleshed out, displaying a spectrum of human emotions despite their young age.

The cinematography in Meeting Dr. Sun emphasizes the characters' extreme vulnerability and isolation in a highly competitive society. Long wide shots are often used to highlight the loneliness and alienation suffered by Lefty and Sky. A variety of angles and varying light intensity enhances the overall aesthetic, creating a visually engaging spectacle that complements the narrative's profound theme.

The director, Yee Chih-Yen, brilliantly and realistically depicts the struggles of the lower-income bracket, focusing on the dilemmas faced by the younger demographic. He does this while also maintaining a lightheartedness through the comedic elements throughout the plot. The combination of satire, humor, and harsh realities of socio-economic disparities skillfully show how society's systemic issues affect its youngest members, often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

In conclusion, Meeting Dr. Sun is more than just a comedy-drama. It's a heartening story of friendships forged in difficult times and a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit when pushed to its limits. It offers a mirror to society, urging us to pay attention to the invisible and unheard. It's both a cinematic delight and a social commentary that makes the audience think about our societal set-up. The film is well-acted, engaging, and leaves you with a bittersweet aftertaste, much like life itself.