A Brighter Summer Day (牯嶺街少年殺人事件)

Based on Yang's adolescent memories, this elaborate, stylized and sensitive portrait of 1960 Taiwan evolves around a talented but self-centered student who refuses to compromise his moral standards with anyone - teachers, pals, parents or girlfriends. Yang observes the growing impact of American culture on local traditions and life under military dictatorship. The strict school discipline disintegrates once students leave their over crowded classes. They roam the streets and try to define their identity as they cope with macho inclinations, first romances, dreams of glory, pledges of friendship and the injustice of laws applied differently to the rich and to the poor.