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Granny Must Die film image; girl shopping for meat

Granny Must Die

阿婆非死不可

Lunar New Year

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An absurd comedy about the daily life of a three-generational Hakka household in Taipei. Huichiao, her grandmother Chunmei, Chunmei’s son Fusang, and daughter-in-law Lichun live together in a three-generational household in Taipei. The story begins on a stormy night when Huichiao quietly approaches and kills the sleeping Chunmei: “Granny, just die!”

Their conflict stems not only from daily trivialities but also from past memories and complex family relationships. Fusang, the silent and steady member of the family, tries to mediate the disputes among his mother, wife, and daughter, feeling powerless amidst the constant bickering. Meanwhile, Huichiao’s relationship with her colleague A-jie gradually comes to light. A-jie’s seemingly accidental presence triggers a series of events, raising suspicions about everyone’s motives and true intentions.

Through multiple perspectives and intertwined timelines, the film delves into this quirky family, uncovering each member’s secrets and sorrows, leading to a dramatic escape where the truth finally emerges.

Director Statement:

Living in Taiwan’s multicultural society, we often face conflicts between traditional and modern values. Each character in the film carries fragments and emotions from real life. Their stories might seem absurd, but behind the laughter lies a profound reflection of reality. I hope the audience can not only smile through this film but also join us in exploring the meaning of family and self-discovery through the laughter.

 

Presented by

    

Director

Yi-Jung Chen

Cast

Yang Li-Yin, Winnie Chang, Tammy Lin, Ning Chang, Lan Wei-Hua

Credits
Country of Origin

Taiwan

Year

2024

Language

In Mandarin, Hakka, and Taiwanese with English subtitles

Content Warning

Violence; coarse language

PG

Open to youth!
$10 youth tickets available

87 min

Book Tickets

Saturday February 08

7:30 pm
Hearing Assistance Subtitles U18 May Attend
VIFF Centre - VIFF Cinema
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Credits

Producer

Keng-Ming Chang

Screenwriter

Keng-Ming Chang, Joy Tsai, Milia Luo

Cinematography

Shih-Wen Liu

Editor

Shing-Fung Yu

Original Music

Chi-Yang Hsu

Art Director

Shan-Jyun LI

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