A Brighter Summer Day (1991) 2011

In 1959 Taipei, a junior high student named Si’r, portrayed by Chang Chen, faces the consequences of his academic failure as he is compelled to attend night school. This decision causes distress for his father, a government employee who is acutely aware of the delinquency prevalent among the students attending at night. The following morning, Si’r and his father listen to a radio program featuring outstanding students, a stark reminder of what Si’r could aspire to.

As the story progresses into 1960, Si’r and his best friend, Cat, engage in a bold adventure as they secretly observe an actress changing clothes on the set of a film. Unfortunately, their curiosity leads to being caught by a guard, prompting a frantic escape that sees them back at school with stolen flashlights in hand. One night, while exploring a darkened classroom, Si’r inadvertently disturbs a couple in a passionate embrace but is unable to identify them.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of two rival gangs: the Little Park Boys and the 217s. Although not officially a member of either group, Si’r finds himself closer to the Little Park Boys, led by the enigmatic Honey, who is in hiding in Tainan following a violent confrontation. Sly, another member, steps up to lead in Honey’s absence, setting the stage for a rivalry when Si’r unintentionally implicates Sly in a scandal involving his girlfriend, Jade. In a twist of fate, Si’r meets Ming, a member of the Little Park Boys, and they strike up a friendship that complicates the existing tensions.

In an effort to bring peace, Sly proposes a concert uniting both gangs. However, upon Honey’s return, tensions flare as he chastises Sly for his perceived leadership decisions. In a surprising gesture, Honey entrusts Ming to Si’r, believing him to be a stable partner. Yet, the evening of the concert takes a tragic turn when Honey ambushes the 217s, resulting in his own untimely death orchestrated by their fearless leader, Shandong.

Following this event, the Little Park Boys are filled with vengeance and retaliate during a fierce typhoon, leading to a bloody confrontation with the 217s, resulting in several casualties. Amidst the chaos, Si’r’s own father becomes a target of the secret police, heightening the drama at home as he is questioned about his past affiliations. Though he’ll eventually be released, he suffers a demotion, adding to Si’r’s tumultuous world.

Romance blossoms between Si’r and Ming, providing him a brief reprieve from academic difficulties. However, Ming’s flirtation with other boys, including a seemingly suave doctor, brings tension into their relationship. Following a violent outburst that leads to his expulsion from school, Si’r vows to pass his transfer exams to return to day school, even as Ming feels the strain of their less frequent encounters.

As the story continues to unravel, Sly emerges from hiding, seeking reconciliation with Si’r and revealing heartbreaking truths about Ming’s newfound relationship with Ma. Feeling devastated, Si’r seeks solace in Jade, but their relationship is strained as she reveals a painful secret: the girl Si’r saw with Sly was indeed Ming.

Ultimately, the climax leads to a tragic confrontation where Si’r, fueled by jealousy, confronts Ming and stabs her in a fit of rage. The aftermath of this shocking act results in his sentencing to death, although public outcry shifts the decision to a 15-year prison term. In a somber closing scene, Si’r’s mother discovers his school uniform, prompting a wave of grief as the radio continues to announce the names of distinguished students, underscoring the tragedy of Si’r’s lost potential.