Cities of Last Things

About Cities of Last Things

Cities of Last Things is an international movie that was released in 2018. It is a drama film that offers a unique perspective on the cyclical nature of life and the consequences of our actions.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music, Soundtrack

About

The plot of Cities of Last Things follows the life of a man named Lao Zhang, portrayed by actor Jack Kao, as he navigates three different time periods in his life. The film explores how the choices and events of Lao Zhang's past have shaped his present and future, ultimately leading to his own demise.

In the first time period, Lao Zhang is an aging retired police officer who is struggling with the loss of his family. The film delves into the themes of grief and regret, as Lao Zhang grapples with his inner demons and tries to find solace in his memories.

The second time period takes the viewers back to Lao Zhang's youth, where he is a rebellious young man. This part of the film explores themes of rebellion, love, and societal pressure, showcasing the complexities of Lao Zhang's character and his journey towards self-discovery.

The final time period shows Lao Zhang as a successful businessman, but one who is plagued by guilt and a sense of emptiness. As he revisits his past through a series of events and encounters, Lao Zhang must confront the consequences of his actions and make peace with his past in order to find redemption.

Making / Production

Cities of Last Things was directed by Wi Ding Ho and is a multi-national co-production between Taiwan, China, France, and the United States. The film was shot in various locations, including Taipei and New York City, adding to the global feel of the story.

The filmmakers used a non-linear narrative structure to tell the story, with each time period represented by a distinct visual style and tone. This artistic choice adds depth to the narrative and highlights the different emotional states of Lao Zhang throughout his life.

Actors

• Jack Kao as Lao Zhang - Portraying the protagonist, Jack Kao beautifully captures the complexities and layers of Lao Zhang's character. His performance showcases the range of emotions and inner turmoil experienced by the character.
• Hsieh Chang-Ying as Lao's Wife
• Liu Juei-chi as Adult Lao Zhang
• Chang Kang-Sheng as Fatty

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Cities of Last Things is the first Taiwanese film to win the Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival.
• The film offers a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the consequences of our actions.
• Wi Ding Ho drew inspiration from real-life experiences and observed the cyclical nature of life to develop the concept of the film.
• The film's title, "Cities of Last Things," refers to the idea that each time period in the protagonist's life represents a kind of last chance or opportunity to make a change.

Awards

Cities of Last Things received critical acclaim and won several awards, including:

• Platform Prize at the Toronto International Film Festival
• Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival - Best Director
• Taipei Film Awards - Best Supporting Actor (Chang Kang-sheng)

Quotes

• "We are all products of our pasts, whether we like it or not."
• "One decision can change the course of your life forever."
• "In the cities of last things, our true selves are revealed."

Music, Soundtrack

The soundtrack of Cities of Last Things features a mix of original compositions and licensed songs that reflect the film's evocative atmosphere. The music enhances the emotional impact of the story and the various time periods depicted in the film.