Those who are capable of being refreshed by minimalist films will want to see this 81-minute one by Taiwanese writer and director Tsai Ming-Liang. It is set in a decrepit movie palace in Taipei that is about to close and probably be torn down. Outside it is raining and a few patrons have come to the once glamorous theatre to see a revival of King Hu's 1966 sword-fighting epic Dragon Inn. Pails in the hallways catch water leaking in from the roof.
The theatre's kind-hearted cashier and cleaning woman takes part of her steamed bun to the projectionist, but does not see him. She limps down the hallway to take care of some menial tasks in the bathrooms. A young man who is trying to concentrate on the film finds himself distracted by some noisy patrons munching on popcorn. He moves to another seat and is bothered by some bare feet stretched over the seat next to him. A woman cracking sunflower seeds also tests his patience. He leaves the room and sees some men in the corridor smoking cigarettes; they are homosexuals looking for sex.
The fight scenes in the movie are in total contrast with the stillness in the theatre as the few patrons play out their lonely dramas without much fanfare. Two old men are brought to tears when the film ends. Earlier one of the patrons says, "Do you know that this theatre is haunted?" Perhaps these two are really the actors of Dragon Inn, lamenting the glory days long gone by. Or perhaps they are ghosts.
The woman finishes up her duties and leaves the theatre. The projectionist throws several buckets of rainwater out the window and locks up. If you can slow down and adapt yourself to the resolute rhythms of this film — it consists mainly of long takes — it will give you a melancholy glimpse of urban loneliness and the passing of an era.
