THREE TIMES aka ZUI HAO DE SHI GUANG

Year: 2005
USA: IFC Films
UK: Artificial Eye
Cast: Shu Qi, Chang Chen, Mei-fang, Di-Mei, Liao Su-Jen, Chen Shih-shan, Lee Pei-hsuan
Director: Hou Hsiao Hsien
Countries: France / Taiwan
Language: Mandarin / Taiwanese dialect (English subtitles)
USA & UK: 135 mins
UK Certificate: 12A contains moderate sex references
USA Release Date: 26 April 2006 (Limited Release - New York)
UK Release Date: 4 August 2006

UK Distributor

Synopsis

Taiwanese master Hou Hsiao-hsien (FLOWERS OF SHANGHAI, MILLENNIUM MAMBO, CAFe LUMIERE) has delivered one of the most rapturously beautiful and romantic movies of the year. Three different time periods (1966, 1911, 2005), three stories and the same actor and actress, Shu Qi and Chang Chen, play out the two lead roles, evoking a sentimental tale of three reincarnations of an unfinished love....

Year 1966: A Time for Love

A young woman, May, and a soldier, Chen, meet once in a Kaohsiung billiards parlor and then struggle to find each other again. Finally, they share stolen moments together on a beautiful warm evening.

Year 1911: A Time for Freedom

During the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, a married diplomat wins the admiration of a courtesan, in a Dadaocheng brothel, through his kindness. However, his modern principles do not allow him to take her as his concubine. He sends a letter from Shanghai that conveys his regret and his unfulfilled love.

Present Day: A Time for Youth

Under the threat of war with China, Taiwan is unsettled. A young bisexual woman, Jing, becomes involved in a three-way love affair. Hidden passions simmer beneath the misunderstandings, rejections and the modern relationships that flourish and fail from the safe distance of text messages and e-mails.