Rebels of the Neon God 2015
Directed by
Ming-liang Tsai
Made by
Big World Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Rebels of the Neon God (2015). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
A young man named Hsiao Kang (Chinese: 小康; lit. ‘Little Kang’, deriving his nickname from the actor Lee Kang-sheng) goes through the motions of life, attending cram school while living with his parents. In a distinct but intertwining storyline, petty thieves Tze and Ping navigate their chaotic lives. Following a night out, Tze returns to discover that his apartment has flooded. The following day, he encounters Kuei, a young woman disoriented after a one-night stand with Ah Tze’s brother, a car salesman, in the adjacent room. Oblivious to her whereabouts, Kuei accepts a ride from Tze on his motorcycle. Meanwhile, Hsiao Kang faces a setback when his motorcycle gets impounded. His father, who drives a taxi, spots him and provides a ride to school. An accident occurs during this journey when Tze purposefully breaks off the side mirror of Hsiao Kang’s father’s taxi.
As night falls, Tze, Ping, and Kuei gather for some fun, indulging in drinks until Kuei eventually passes out. The two men, instead of looking after her, leave her alone in a hotel room. The next morning, Kuei reaches out to Tze, wanting to meet him again. In another turn of events, Hsiao Kang decides to drop out of school and successfully claims a refund. Opting to stay out rather than return home, he subsequently encounters Tze and begins to follow him.
In a twist of fate, Hsiao Kang witnesses Tze and Ping committing theft at an arcade, as they dismantle machines for motherboards. Tze then meets with Kuei, who expresses her frustration about him standing her up. Their relationship escalates as they get a hotel room together and become intimate. Meanwhile, Hsiao Kang, fueled by frustration, finds Tze’s motorcycle and vandalizes it. When he finally attempts to return home after a few days away, he is rejected by his parents, who are upset over his school dropout status. Finding refuge in the same hotel where Tze and Kuei spent the night, Hsiao Kang revels in the irony of Tze discovering his damaged bike.
Later, Tze and Ping attempt to sell the stolen motherboards to an arcade owner, only to be confronted by angry men, leading to a violent altercation where Ping is beaten. That night, Tze fortuitously takes Hsiao Kang’s father’s taxi back home, bringing a wounded Ping along. Kuei unexpectedly arrives and expresses her desire to leave with Tze, prompting a tender embrace between the two. Meanwhile, Hsiao Kang’s father returns home, unwittingly leaving the apartment door slightly open. In a moment of indecisiveness, Hsiao Kang visits a phone dating service but ultimately does not engage with any callers, opting to leave after a few uneventful minutes.
Timeline
Track the key events of Rebels of the Neon God (2015) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Hsiao Kang's Daily Routine
Hsiao Kang navigates through the monotony of his life, attending cram school while living with his parents. His daily existence reflects the pressures of academic expectations prevalent among young people.
Tze and Ping's Mischievous Lives
Meanwhile, Tze and Ping, two petty thieves, lead chaotic lives filled with unsavory escapades. Their antics showcase the struggles of trying to make ends meet through criminal means.
The Flooded Apartment
After a night out, Tze returns to find his apartment flooded, creating an unexpected setback. This disaster sets off a chain of events that affects his subsequent encounters.
Meeting Kuei
Tze meets Kuei, a young woman disoriented after a one-night stand. Oblivious to the situation, she accepts a ride from Tze on his motorcycle, leading to an awkward yet pivotal moment.
Hsiao Kang's Motorcycle Trouble
Hsiao Kang faces a significant setback when his motorcycle is impounded. His father, a taxi driver, spots him and offers a ride to school, unaware of the tension brewing between them.
Accident in the Taxi
During the taxi ride, an unexpected incident occurs when Tze intentionally breaks off the side mirror of Hsiao Kang's father's taxi. This act reflects the collision of their lives and sets the tone for future encounters.
Kuei Passes Out
As night falls, Tze, Ping, and Kuei gather in a hotel room and indulge in drinks. Kuei eventually passes out, leaving her in a vulnerable position as the two men neglect her safety.
Kuei's Morning Regret
The next morning, Kuei wakes up and reaches out to Tze, eager to meet him again despite the chaos of the previous night. Her desire to reconnect illustrates her complicated feelings towards Tze.
Hsiao Kang Drops Out of School
In a significant turning point, Hsiao Kang decides to drop out of school and successfully claims a refund. This decision fuels his quest for independence and leads him to seek new experiences.
Following Tze
After dropping out, Hsiao Kang opts to stay out instead of returning home. He begins to follow Tze, drawn into a world of crime that contrasts sharply with his previous life.
Witnessing Theft
Hsiao Kang witnesses Tze and Ping dismantling arcade machines for motherboards, solidifying his connection to their criminal activities. This incident marks a point of no return for Hsiao Kang.
Kuei's Frustration
Tze and Kuei's relationship intensifies when she confronts him about standing her up. Their emotions lead them to a hotel room, where they share an intimate moment, deepening their bond.
Vandalism and Rejection
In a fit of frustration, Hsiao Kang vandalizes Tze's motorcycle after feeling rejected from his parents for dropping out. His actions reflect his inner turmoil and desire for acceptance.
Confrontation at the Arcade
Tze and Ping attempt to sell the stolen motherboards but face violent repercussions when confronted by angry men. The altercation escalates, resulting in Ping getting badly beaten.
End in Uncertainty
As the night unfolds, Tze takes Hsiao Kang's father's taxi back home with a wounded Ping. Meanwhile, Hsiao Kang finds himself in a state of indecision, opting not to engage with callers at a dating service.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Rebels of the Neon God (2015) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Hsiao Kang
Hsiao Kang is a young man navigating the pressures of school and family expectations. Feeling alienated, he chooses to drop out and seek his own path, which leads to a series of reckless decisions. His journey reflects the inner turmoil of adolescence, marked by a struggle for identity and acceptance amidst familial disappointment.
Tze
Tze is a complex character embroiled in a life of petty crime alongside his friend, Ping. His actions often stem from a desire for excitement and connection, yet he displays a careless attitude towards others, particularly Kuei. Tze's journey reveals a conflict between his reckless behavior and moments of vulnerability, illustrating the duality of youth.
Kuei
Kuei is portrayed as a young woman seeking affection and grappling with the aftermath of fleeting romantic encounters. Her relationship with Tze highlights her vulnerability and desire for deeper connection, often leading to disappointment. Kuei's character navigates the complexities of modern romance in a tumultuous urban environment.
Ping
Ping serves as Tze's companion in crime, embodying the carefree and reckless spirit of youth. His loyalty to Tze is evident, but his actions often lead to unpredictable and dangerous situations. Despite his tough exterior, Ping's character reflects the camaraderie and struggles shared amongst friends in chaotic urban life.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Rebels of the Neon God (2015), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film captures a contemporary setting, showcasing the struggles and aspirations of young adults in modern-day Taipei. It highlights the daily routines and social interactions that define the lives of its characters. The events unfold in an era marked by urban challenges and personal dilemmas, resonating with a sense of youthful disillusionment.
Location
Taipei
The movie takes place in Taipei, a bustling city known for its vibrant street life and rich cultural heritage. It's a hub of activity, featuring a mix of modern and traditional influences, highlighted by its food stalls and night markets. The city serves as a backdrop for the intertwining lives of the characters, reflecting the fast-paced and often chaotic nature of urban living.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Rebels of the Neon God (2015). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Alienation
Alienation is a prominent theme in the film, as characters like Hsiao Kang experience a sense of disconnect from their families and society. This theme is further emphasized through the encounters between characters, where moments of intimacy are often overshadowed by misunderstandings and abandonment. The narrative explores how these feelings of isolation depict the struggles faced by youth in a fast-paced urban environment.
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Rebellion
Rebellion is illustrated through Hsiao Kang's decision to drop out of school and the reckless choices made by Tze and Ping. This quest for freedom leads to various confrontations and moral dilemmas, reflecting the characters' desires to escape the societal expectations placed upon them. Their actions challenge norms and highlight the conflict between conformity and individuality in a youthful quest for identity.
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Search for Connection
The search for connection is evident as characters grapple with relationships and emotional turmoil. Hsiao Kang's interactions with Tze and Kuei show a yearning for belonging and acceptance. This theme resonates throughout the film, depicting the complexities of navigating friendships and romantic entanglements in a world that often feels indifferent.
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