This autobiographical film by one of Taiwan’s most important directors, Hou Hsiao-hsien, tells the story of his childhood after his family moved from China to Taiwan. Adjusting to a foreign land is difficult enough, but the family is struck by loss after loss: first, the father dies, and later the mother as well. The boy grows into a rebellious teenager, boldly getting into fights with local gangs and even teachers. The teenager gradually turns into a man, dreaming of forging his own path. And all this takes place against the backdrop of an implied military conflict: a person changes, and above him, so does the world.

The restoration of this film was carried out by the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute (TFAI).