Classic Taiwanese Film 'Runaway Flower' Returns to Big Screen After 37 Years

The beloved Taiwanese film "Runaway Flower" (魯冰花), a cinematic touchstone alongside "A City of Sadness," has returned to screens across Taiwan 37 years after its initial release. The re-showing has reignited deep emotions in audiences, proving the enduring impact of the film.

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The classic Taiwanese film "Runaway Flower" has been re-released in theaters nationwide 37 years after its original debut.

Originally released in 1989, "Runaway Flower" vied for Best Picture at the 26th Golden Horse Awards. While it did not win the top prize, actress Lee Shu-chen, who portrayed "Gu Cha-mei," secured the award for Best Supporting Actress. The film's theme song also won for Best Original Film Song.

The film is an adaptation of a novel by Chung Chao-cheng, often referred to as the "mother of Taiwanese literature." At the premiere, Chung's eldest son, Chung Yen-wei, tearfully recalled his father's experience watching the film 37 years ago. Chung, who was hearing impaired in his left ear and used a hearing aid in his right, was initially unaware of the profound effect the movie was having until he was awakened by the sound of widespread sobbing from the audience.

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In 1989, "Runaway Flower" competed with "A City of Sadness" for the Best Picture award at the 26th Golden Horse Awards.

Chou Ming-jen, chairman of the National Film and Audiovisual Center of Taiwan, expressed hope that "Runaway Flower," which has returned to Taiwan after screening at the Cannes Film Festival, could one day be dubbed into the Hakka language. He envisions screenings in Longtan Elementary School in Taoyuan, where Chung Chao-cheng's novel was set, allowing the film to be watched under the stars alongside "Asteroid 650474," named after Chung.

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Chung Chao-cheng's eldest son tearfully recalled his father's experience watching the film 37 years ago.