What Time Is It Over There? 2002

Hsiao-kang's Daily Life

Hsiao-kang, a dedicated street vendor, struggles to maintain his modest watch-selling business in Taipei. Following the recent death of his father, he finds himself caught in a web of grief and responsibilities.

The Arrival of Shiang-chyi

Shianging-chyi Chen enters Hsiao-kang's life seeking a dual-time watch for her upcoming trip to Paris. Despite her charm and determination, he initially refuses to part with his personal watch due to superstitions regarding bad luck.

Hsiao-kang's Grief

As Hsiao-kang grapples with the loss of his father, he witnesses his mother deeply mourning. She leaves food and water in hopes of reconnecting with her deceased husband, leading to a heavy and somber atmosphere in their home.

Escapism Through Cinema

Struggling with his grief, Hsiao-kang escapes into the world of cinema by watching 'The 400 Blows'. He becomes obsessed with setting all clocks and watches to Paris time, indicating a desire to escape reality.

Shiang-chyi in Paris

In Paris, Shiang-chyi explores the vibrant city alone, visiting shops and dining at various restaurants. Her adventure contrasts with Hsiao-kang’s stagnant emotions back home, symbolizing their diverging paths.

Mother's Desperate Attempts

While Hsiao-kang navigates his sorrow, his mother becomes increasingly erratic, believing that changes in time at home signal her husband's return. This fixation leads to growing tension between her and Hsiao-kang, complicating their bond further.

A Cemetery Encounter

In an unexpected turn, Shiang-chyi meets Jean-Pierre Léaud, the star of 'The 400 Blows', at a cemetery. This surreal encounter highlights her struggles with loneliness while in a foreign city.

Connection Over Dinner

Later, Shiang-chyi forms a brief connection with another Chinese woman at a restaurant. Their intimate moment is fleeting, with the woman abruptly turning away, emphasizing the theme of lost connections.

Mother's Solitude

At home, Hsiao-kang's mother continues her rituals, awkwardly setting the dinner table for her husband. Afterward, she indulges in moments of solitude, reflecting her ongoing grief in stark contrast to Hsiao-kang's own struggles.

Fleeting Connection

In a moment of desperation, Hsiao-kang engages with a prostitute, seeking a brief connection. This encounter turns sour when she steals his briefcase filled with watches while he sleeps, leading to further loss.

Return to Grief

After the incident with the prostitute, Hsiao-kang returns home to his grieving mother. He lies down beside her, both lost in their respective sorrow, embodying the weight of their shared loss.

Shiang-chyi's Tears

Meanwhile, Shiang-chyi finds herself overwhelmed with emotion beside a pool in Paris, lost in her tears. This moment signifies her sense of isolation and longing, despite being in a beautiful city.

Mysterious Figure

As the story unfolds, a mysterious figure resembling Hsiao-kang's father appears and retrieves Shiang-chyi's suitcase from the water. This event leaves both characters with unanswered questions and unresolved connections.