About individuals who will seemingly never leave this city, trapped in the oppression of the near constant rain, their flooded apartments, the darkness. As in many of Tsai's films loneliness is evoked well, though I don't think it reaches the same level of effectiveness as his later films (it's less idiosyncratic than his later films too). It's interesting to see Hsiao Kang pushed to the fringe of the film as it progresses, alone hiding in shadows watching those who he seeks revenge against.

Very slight at first, eventually it comes full circle and the entire thing bleeds a great atmosphere, capturing the feeling of youth wandering around in the city very pleasantly. Not really all that unique in that sense, but it's still a nice time.

Not my cup of tea at all, I found it extremely boring

Many of Tsai's usual elements are present. Still, this is the least Tsai-esque of his films, especially in how it avoids his trademark minimalism. You could easily lump it in with other "restless youth" movies by Wong Kar-Wai, Hsaio-hsien Hou or Edward Yang. So it's not that distinctive, but it's done very well and lays the groundwork for his future films.

Good Movie

People sometimes talk. Makes it better than his other two awful films. I have never been so wrong about an artist as I was about ming-Liang Tsai. Regardless, it's all over now. I've banished him from my netflix queue and I feel better for it.

Perfect.