Film Screening: 我這樣過了一生 Kuei-mei, a Woman

In-Person Program

A landmark of Taiwan New Wave Cinema, Kuei-mei, a Woman (1985) is a sweeping drama about a mainland Chinese immigrant forging a life in postwar Taiwan. In Mandarin with English subtitles. Film is unrated. Best for teens and adults, ages 13 and up.

Kuei-mei escapes the Chinese Civil War in the 1950s, arriving in Taiwan alone. She marries a wastrel, works as a waitress, and endures relentless hardships, from a ruthless boss to unruly children. Her life reflects the struggles of many migrants and Taiwan's transformation into an 'Asian tiger economy.' The 1960s saw rapid industrialisation, with its complex impacts on society. This social realist epic spans three decades, illustrating the personal and societal challenges faced during a time of significant change.

• 2015 International Film Festival Rotterdam
• 1986 Asia Pacific Film Festival – Best Director
• 1985 Golden Horse Awards – Best Feature Film, Director, Leading Actress, Adapted Screenplay

桂美獨自來臺，不僅要精打細算，還得面對嗜賭如命的丈夫和畏懼她的繼子們。為補貼家用，她曾遠赴日本當傭人，並在餐館工作。返臺後，桂美開設餐廳，盼望過上安穩生活，卻接連遭遇丈夫外遇、大女兒未婚懷孕等挑戰。即使罹癌，她仍默默承擔，而餐廳卻成了子女們爭奪的財產。本片深刻描繪女性在家庭中的掙扎，反映臺北過去 25 年的社會變遷。

• 2015 荷蘭鹿特丹國際影展
• 1986 亞太影展最佳導演
• 1985 金馬獎最佳劇情片、導演、女主角、改編劇本

Content Advisory: contains mature themes including family conflict, illness, alcoholism, and emotional hardship. Runtime is 152 minutes.

Presented by the Asian Pacific Resource Center in partnership with Kuo Hwa Theater, Taiwan Film and Audiovisual Institute, and Taiwan Cinema Toolkit.

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