In the chilling winter of 1979, as anti-government protesters face arrest during the Formosa Incident in Taiwan, "Undercurrent" unfolds a compelling narrative. The city is under curfew, setting the stage for a chance encounter between a curious teenage student and a mysterious young man. Their journey takes an unexpected turn into an abandoned hut by a riverside path, where they exchange fears and build an unspoken bond. However, when the student is caught by a plain-clothes police officer, the young man faces a critical decision—to stand against oppression or turn a blind eye. The film delves into the complexities of living under martial law, exploring whether men are escaping from the government, society, or the buried affections within their hearts.
“Undercurrent” (宵禁) is a short film directed by Yu-Tong Weng. Set in Taiwan during the winter of 1979, the film unfolds against the backdrop of the Formosa Incident, a period marked by anti-government protests and martial law. Here’s a brief synopsis:
In the midst of a citywide curfew, a curious teenage student follows a mysterious young man along a riverside path and into an abandoned hut. As they exchange their fears, a sense of mutual trust begins to develop. However, when the student is later caught by a plain-clothes police officer, the young man chooses to turn a blind eye. Are these men constantly escaping from the government, society, or the buried affections in their hearts? The film explores themes of homoerotism, sexual tension, and human connection under the constraints of martial law.
Director: Yu-Tong Weng Cast:
Lee-Fong Huang (Teenage)
Chih-Han Chang (Youth)
Ming-fan Wu (Police Officer)
