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Poster for A City of Sadness

A City of Sadness

Seen it?

1989 | 158 min | Drama, History

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (100% on Rotten Tomatoes). A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved Belfast or I Swear, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Unhurried and epic, at 2 hr 38 min.
What might put you off
  • It's long: 2 hr 38 min.
  • It's in Chinese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

The story of a family embroiled in the "White Terror," the Kuomintang government's anti-communist political repression that was wrought on the Taiwanese people from 1947-1987.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    100% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsSolid

    Won 1 Venice award: Golden Lion.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 52K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien

  • Tony Leung Chiu-waiWen-Ching
  • Hsin Shu-FenWu Kuan Mei / Hinome
  • Chan Chung-YungWen-Heung
  • Jack KaoWen Leung
  • Tai BoAh Jia
  • Li Tian-LuAh Lu
  • Grace Chen Shu-FangMeidai
  • Wu Nien-jenMr. Wu
  • Tsai Chen-nanSinger
  • King Shih-chiehMr. Huang