‘To Be Ordinary’ Review: Compassionate Taiwanese Family Melodrama
Key Takeaways
- Lee Yun Chan's first feature film in 16 years explores family dynamics after a tragedy.
- The narrative spans over a decade, detailing how paralysis affects every family member differently.
- It avoids traditional disability drama clichés in favor of a nuanced, empathetic approach.
- The film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival to positive critical reception.
Writer-director Lee Yun Chan's first feature in 16 years, 'To Be Ordinary,' follows a Taiwanese family grappling with the aftermath of a high-speed accident that leaves their 22-year-old son, Yu-jie, paralyzed. Rather than leaning into disability-drama clichés, the film offers an expansive, empathetic portrait of how the tragedy deeply impacts each family member over more than a decade.
The narrative deftly handles complex themes including marital strife, economic upheaval, adolescent turmoil, and moral crisis. Anchored by strong performances and Lee's formal restraint, the film premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and continues its journey with an upcoming release in Tokyo and theatrical runs in Taiwan.
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