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

The beloved Taiwanese classic film 'Runaway, Runaway' (Lu Bing Hua) is set to grace the big screen once again, 37 years after its initial release. A digitally restored version of the film recently premiered globally in the Classics section at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation and high praise, prompting calls for its return to Taiwanese cinemas.

The National Film and Audiovisual Center of Taiwan has officially announced that the film will be re-released during the summer. Adapted from the novel by "Mother of Taiwanese Literature" Chung Chao-cheng, 'Runaway, Runaway' deeply moved audiences upon its 1989 debut. Despite a modest opening week, word-of-mouth propelled its box office performance, ultimately allowing it to outperform the Hong Kong film 'The Romancing Star II,' starring Chow Yun-fat, and become one of 1989's most representative Taiwanese films.

Lee Ping-bing, the cinematographer for the film, attended the Cannes premiere and expressed his sentiment: "For a film like 'Runaway, Runaway' to meet audiences again after so many years, if the film itself doesn't have a life, how can we explain it?" The film's enduring power is further evidenced by its top ranking in a 2023 poll of "My Favorite Taiwanese Feature Films," conducted by the National Film and Audiovisual Center, securing first place across all age groups.

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For a film like 'Runaway, Runaway' to meet audiences again after so many years, if the film itself doesn't have a life, how can we explain it?

The film's charm has also extended internationally. Jenny Tseng's rendition of the theme song became a hit across the Chinese-speaking world after her 1991 CCTV Spring Festival Gala performance, leading to the film's successful release in mainland China the following year. Even martial arts superstar Jet Li has publicly cited 'Runaway, Runaway' as his most memorable Taiwanese film.

The digitally restored version's reception at Cannes has reignited international interest. During the screening, audience members were visibly moved, with many weeping and applauding. Japanese contemporary artist Yoshitomo Nara expressed his strong desire to see the film, relating to its depiction of rural life and childhood artistic talent due to his own upbringing in a rural village in the 1960s. The film, which received six Golden Horse Award nominations in 1989, ultimately won Best Supporting Actress and Best Film Song. The title flower, 'Lu Bing Hua,' is also known as the "Hakka Mother Flower" for its selfless dedication, symbolizing a mother's unwavering spirit.

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Lu Bing Hua withered, farmers bury it under the tea trees, the flowers will turn into fertilizer, making the tea leaves grow lushly. Although Lu Bing Hua died, we can still drink good tea.