This is a particularly intricate and well-acted movie. Its cinematography is exceptional. Sometimes, using muted and pastel tones to reflect the mood of the scenes. The screenplay is also sophisticated, which allowed the actors to become immersed in their roles to the point that the audience could relate and feel what they were experiencing. Since so much of it was subtle, that took real acting challenges to pull off. The first half of the movie is intensely character driven while the second half, unfortunately, becomes an esoteric mess.

The story itself is part reality with a heaping scoop of fantasy thrown in that is both mystifying, illogical, and ended with a perplexing outcome. One I respected but also did not like. While I love fantasy and certainly wish for happy outcomes, not all conclusions in life are so. Or should be.

The premise is a fascinating one. It is a story about a troubled and anxious writer from Hong Kong named Tian Yu (Terrance Lau). He had at one point developed a ‘pen pal’ bond with a young boy in Taiwan, whose life was certainly difficult. Yet, he never seemed to give up hope. The two developed a close relationship and exchanged letters through an old mailbox that Tian Yu’s parents left him. It was one of the last gifts given to him before they perished and seems to have transcendental powers. Even though the boy was young, in his innocence, he displayed a simplistic philosophy that made Tian Yu feel special and needed. He remarked about one day being able to visit the Bay of Vanishing Whales, which is supposed to be a place that leads to paradise. Unfortunately, the boy moved away, and contact was lost, but Tian Yu enduringly remembered the story.

Given that he is now at a crossroads in his life, Tian Yu decided to go to Taipei to find the elusive Bay of Vanishing Whales and seek his own paradise. Because of some nefarious activities, he loses everything but managed to be rescued by a bit of a shady character named Xiang (Fandy Fan). Xiang agrees to take Tian Yu to this Bay as he knows where it is. And so, begins their wanton journey that is both reflective, awakening, and stirring for both. Each begins to find in one another a certain level of comfort and perhaps affection for the first time.

As they traverse their journey together, it becomes apparent that a deepening of their relationship manifests. And yet we are not really sure what that relationship is. But we do know that they infuse a sense of humor, reawaken pleasures and enjoyment from the simple amusements of everyday living, and foster a feeling of serenity with each other into their interactions. To be sure, it becomes a rudimentary form of love. Both are not teenagers, and each knows who they are and in a sense who the other one is as well. Yet, secrets are maintained. To me, it became very obvious who Xiang was from the beginning, but he never shared that with Tian Yu. But tragedy befalls.

Terrance Lau as Tian Yu and Fandy Fan as Xiang bring these two personalities to life. It is as if they know that this is their last chance to feel something about living again. Tian Yu, while successful, is empty and Xiang lives a marginalized life, always on the edge, never getting close to anyone. When the two form a union, their bond permits the walls around each to come down, and they begin to join the world. One can sense and feel sexual tension between the two and a certain amount of lust exists between the two, but both dare not act on it. They bob-and-weave with jealousy and yearning with neither one strong enough to intentionally act on it. Certainly, their unspoken and unconscious behaviors display a connection between the two that is deeper than they ever realize or want to imagine. Their performances are filled with such subtlety that are so beautifully displayed in nuanced tones. To be sure, this is some of the finest Taiwanese acting in a series I have seen this year.

Admittedly, the story does not flow well. The editing is a bit sloppy and confusing. Some scenes needed better transitions, and one has to wait until the very end for all the pieces to fall into place. This makes the full story a bit confusing and weakens the plot. I also had a hard time with the time frames. I could not tell which ones were past or in the present. All of that seemed to be meshed without clear demarcations in order for the story to move along. And frankly some of it seemed artificial and frustrating. For example, what happened to Xiang took way too long to develop and explain. Also, I am unsure what this movie’s aim was. One can certainly rule out being a BL but were they trying to be a bromance or merely show an intense friendship, since both pretty much self-isolated? However, it did seem that they were exploring their queer side, and I concluded that it could be labeled, loosely perhaps, under an LGBTQ genre. All this obtuseness seemed unnecessary as Taiwan is fairly open and has recognized gay marriages since 2019. I did not understand the need for all this subterfuge.

I am a Westerner and so I have a hard time wrapping my head around mysticism and fantasy time scenarios and especially bringing souls back from the dead. I am not a religious person by any means, and I know little to nothing about Eastern cultures/religions which might believe in rebirths or opportunities for such avenues. I simply do not and therefore I had a difficult time trying to understand how this story, at the end, recreated itself. While the rumination was laudable, I agonized that it occurred. It all seemed like wishful thinking and incomprehensible and implausible. Magical thinking, esotericism, mysticism, and a strong belief that rewriting letters back to the boy again would re-birth him Yet, it happens here.

But again, to believe this, you must be within a framework to do so based on culture, customs, and perhaps religious beliefs, or deep-seated traditional beliefs. Something I lack and cannot accept and therefore the story disappointed me. Even for the sake of argument this became true, understand that the new Tian Yu is NOT the old one. To assign the same personality, characteristics, or aura around him is plainly wrong. Why would you want that? He is simply not the same. To me, that represents the height of egoism and selfishness.

None of this, of course, takes away from the outstanding acting or creative storytelling. People will either ‘get it’ or not. I am in the latter category but appreciated the journey to get there. I for one would like to have seen a more honest, unembellished, and pensive ending that was realistic and sincerer. I am getting tired of seeing so many BLs or quasi-BLs being served on a plate of Pollyanna fantasy where we all feast in the joys of a happy ending. Unfortunately, life, at times, is just cruel. Perhaps the audience needs to see a dose of reality every once in a while. So, it can hit home that yes, gay people too, are also part of the human race in every and all aspects,and we do feel the pain and suffering from loss and it does happen, and we do not all end up joyful ever after.

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- Netflix