Four Hands 2018
Directed by
Oliver Kienle
Made by
Cleopatra Entertainment
Plot Summary
As Houcheng (Wu Hsing-kuo) disembarked from the train in Shandong Province in 1949, he faced an unimaginable ordeal as he was abruptly taken from his family by the Republic of China Army. In that moment, he was severed from his younger brother, his newlywed wife, and the life he had known. The subsequent birth of his son, Jiawang (Geng Le), became a poignant reminder of what he had lost, adding an emotional weight to his journey.
After a span of fifty years, Houcheng found himself back in Taiwan, living in a military dependents’ village in Taipei. Now an elderly man, he had remarried and fathered two children—a daughter and a grandson. His life revolved around the daily ritual of preparing mantou, a tradition that he brought from his Mainland Chinese roots. However, the passing of his second wife stirred deep feelings of nostalgia, pushing him to revisit his origins, only to discover that his first love had long since passed away. His return to Shandong was met with mixed feelings from Jiawang, who resented his father for the abandonment he felt so deeply.
Fast forward to 2009, Houcheng’s health began to falter. As his family encouraged Jiawang to take one last trip to Taiwan to say goodbye, he found himself grappling with the unresolved emotions of his youth. Inside Houcheng’s home, Jiawang stumbled upon a collection of forty-year-old unsent letters written by his mother—each letter a heartfelt declaration of love and longing for a husband who had been violently torn from her side. It was through these letters that Jiawang uncovered the truth: his father’s love and loyalty never waned, a revelation that gradually began to heal the profound rifts between them.
As Houcheng’s life drew to a close, he passed away quietly in his bed, his thoughts drifting back to the fateful day he left Shandong Province. In those final moments, he found solace in a spiritual reunion with his first love, providing him with the bittersweet closure he had long sought and allowing him to finally release the burdens of his past and embrace eternal peace.
Timeline
Houcheng Disembarks
In 1949, Houcheng steps off the train in Shandong Province, unaware of the life-altering events about to unfold. He is abruptly taken from his family by the Republic of China Army, marking the beginning of his harrowing journey.
Separation from Family
As Houcheng is taken away, he experiences an excruciating separation from his loved ones, including his younger brother and newlywed wife. This moment leaves a profound impact on him, representing the loss of his previous life.
Birth of Jiawang
The arrival of his son, Jiawang, serves as a poignant reminder of Houcheng's lost family and home. This birth becomes a symbol of hope amidst his sorrow, as he tries to bond with the child while grappling with unresolved grief.
Return to Taiwan
Fifty years later, Houcheng returns to Taiwan, now living in a military dependents' village in Taipei. He has remarried and raised two children, trying to adapt to his new life while still holding onto his traditions.
Daily Rituals
In Taipei, Houcheng's life revolves around the daily ritual of making mantou, a staple from his Mainland Chinese heritage. This act serves to connect him to the past, even as he navigates his new life and relationships.
Loss of Second Wife
The passing of Houcheng's second wife brings a fresh wave of nostalgia and reflection on his past. This loss prompts him to consider returning to Shandong, where his life was irrevocably changed.
Jiawang's Resentment
Houcheng's decision to return to Shandong elicits mixed feelings from his son, Jiawang. Resentment brews within Jiawang due to the abandonment he feels, complicating their father-son dynamic.
Unraveling Memories
In 2009, as Houcheng's health begins to decline, his family suggests that Jiawang return to Taiwan one last time. This journey becomes a catalyst for Jiawang to confront issues from his childhood and his relationship with his father.
Discovery of Letters
During his visit, Jiawang discovers a collection of forty-year-old unsent letters written by his mother. These letters reveal her enduring love for Houcheng and the pain of their separation, providing deep insight into his father's past.
Revelation of Love
Through reading the letters, Jiawang uncovers the truth that his father's love never faded despite the years of separation. This revelation begins to mend the emotional rift that has long existed between them.
Houcheng's Final Moments
As Houcheng approaches the end of his life, he reflects on the fateful day when he left Shandong. In the serenity of his final moments, he feels a profound spiritual reunion with his first love, granting him the closure he has sought.
Embracing Peace
Houcheng passes away quietly in his bed, finally embracing the peace he was denied for decades. His journey through love, loss, and reconciliation culminates in a somber yet beautiful farewell.
Characters
Houcheng
Houcheng is a complex character whose life is defined by the choices made during a turbulent historical period. His journey of separation and eventual return to his roots showcases his resilience and emotional depth. As an elderly man, he embodies nostalgia and reflection, ultimately seeking closure in his past.
Jiawang
Jiawang grapples with feelings of abandonment and resentment towards his father. His development throughout the story highlights the struggle to reconcile with his family's history. Through the process of uncovering his mother's past, he experiences a transformation that leads to a better understanding of love and forgiveness.
Setting
Time period
1949, 2009
The movie spans significant time periods, beginning in 1949, a tumultuous year in Chinese history marked by civil conflict and the displacement of families. By 2009, it reflects contemporary themes of nostalgia, loss, and reconciliation, as societal changes have shaped family dynamics and human relationships.
Location
Shandong Province, Taipei, Taiwan
Shandong Province is a coastal region in eastern China, known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. It features beautiful landscapes and has been a crucial area of Chinese history. Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a vibrant city characterized by a blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional temples, serving as a hub for both locals and visitors.
Themes
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Loss
The theme of loss permeates the narrative, depicting the profound impact of separation on familial bonds. Houcheng's abduction from his family manifests in his emotional struggles and nostalgia. The letters from his first love evoke a haunting sense of what could have been, emphasizing the long-lasting effects of lost connections.
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Reconciliation
Reconciliation is a crucial theme as Houcheng’s relationship with his son Jiawang evolves throughout the story. The discovery of his mother’s letters acts as a catalyst for healing, allowing Jiawang to understand his father's choices and forge a new connection. Ultimately, the film illustrates the possibility of mending broken ties across generations.
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