Film Review: 100 Days

By Kevin Young

100 Days, directed by Harry Chan, is a film that shows a distinct contrast between the city life of Taipei and the rural islands of Taiwan.

Workaholic telecommunications businessman, Bo Dan (Johnny Lu) receives news of his mother’s death and immediately treks back to his hometown, Jing Town, a small northern island isolated from the rest of Taiwan. It’s there he reunites with old friends including his teenaged sweetheart Xiao Wei (Tracy Chou).

Adhering to Taiwanese tradition someone must get married within 100 days to appease Bo Dan’s deceased mother. Xiao Wei who has been engaged for five years decides it is time to get married to follow the tradition to please Bo Dan’s mother.

Bao Dan initially plans on leaving the island at nightfall yet his plans are soiled after a typhoon causes his boat to explode. He is left unconscious drifting in the ocean. Luckily Xiao Wei hearing news of his departure takes initiative and painstakingly searches for him. She finds him and nurses him back to health.

The following morning Xiao Wei and Bo Dan chat with one another reminiscing about the past and talking about their futures. They rekindle their past romance but due to Xiao Wei’s upcoming wedding and Bo Dan already having a girlfriend, Xiao Wei reluctantly pushes him away. Bo Dan realizing that he still loves her pursues her but understands that he will only complicate her already planned out future.

Xiao Wei is plagued with the conflict of choosing someone she truly loves over someone who cares for her and would do anything for her, despite not having true love for him. Bo Dan is troubled by remembering his past and choosing his career over the core family values his mother raised him upon.

Combined with both comedic farcical banter and typical romance this is a film that many can relate too. Lu and Chou both deliver passion and comedy to the viewer simultaneously.

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