Thành Phố Hạnh Phúc - Cities Of Last Things (2018)

Wi Ding Ho's 'Cities Of Last Things' is far from a conventional narrative; it’s an immersive, reverse-chronological cinematic journey that profoundly explores the human condition. This audacious structural choice, unwinding from a dystopian future back to formative past events, isn't a mere gimmick but a crucial device that meticulously unveils the protagonist's psychological landscape and the inescapable grip of fate.

Technically, Ho crafts a visually striking neo-noir universe, where neon-drenched cityscapes and futuristic decay provide a stark backdrop for personal tragedy. The performances across disparate timelines are exceptional, with Jack Kao, Louise Grinberg, and Ding Ning delivering nuanced portrayals, especially Kao's subtle emotional transformations. The film delves deep into themes of memory, regret, and the cyclical nature of trauma, establishing itself as a seminal work in contemporary Taiwanese cinema that challenges narrative conventions and leaves a lasting, thought-provoking impression.