When a family makes the move from China’s mainland to Taiwan, the elder members struggle to adapt in their new environment while Ah-Ha, a young boy, gradually reaches maturity. The generation gap grows fearsomely wide, threatening to alienate the young man from his family and their traditions.

Semi-autobiographical and spanning two decades, this early masterpiece from Hou Hsiao-hsien perfectly combines the historical drama and the coming-of-age story. A superb family saga, the film was an early international success for the filmmaker, winning the FIPRESCI prize at the 1986 Berlinale.