The Queer East Film Festival, that takes place from October to January in the United Kingdom, has opened its first edition with a screening of the Taiwanese critically acclaimed film: “Blue Gate Crossing”. Icing on the cake, it has been shown in 35 mm. It is first worth noticing that the festival has to face difficult and uncommon circumstances – considering the current COVID crisis – but still managed to deliver a very enjoyable experience. The cultural sector is badly hit and the consequences for festivals are, among others, less potential audience attending, no special guests presence for the Q&A (which is also one of the usual incentives for cinéphiles to attend festivals). However, the Queer East Film Festival managed to overcome that last part with an extended filmed-intro with Chih-Yen Yee. If it's not quite the same experience, it was close enough and the best we could hope for in these difficult times. Having previously seen “Blue Gate Crossing” at home, it has been a good reminder of why going to watch movies on the big screen, and going to festivals, will always matter and be a totally different experience than watching the movie on a small screen.
“Blue Gate Crossing” is screening at Queer East Film Festival
Going back to the feature itself, Chih-Yen Yee's second film observes the relationship between teenagers Meng Kerou (Lun-Mei Gwei) and Zhang Shihao (Bo-Lin Chen), as they get to know each other and grow closer. Meng's best friend, Lin Yuezhen (Yolin Liang) has a crush on Zhang. She sends Meng on a mission as a go-between. Zheng likes Meng. Meng likes Lin (who, frankly, isn't that good of a friend. Hopefully the main character developed higher standards growing up).
If it may seem like a simple love triangle with a lesbian twist, “Blue Gate Crossing” deserves all the love it gets.
First, it is super funny. It avoids the trap of being overly serious and heavy “because it's an independent movie that talks about serious matters”. This is also supported by the fact that it doesn't focus solely on the homosexuality of Kerou. It is part of the story, part of the character, but it isn't all the movie is about. There are also many themes touched upon: growing up, friendships, school life, etc. In that sense, “Blue Gate Crossing” offers the viewers a more organic and broader story.
What is more, the characters are sympathetic, nuanced, and likable. It has to do with the flawless acting of Gwei and Chen, whose careers were understandably launched with the 2002 feature.
Finally, the cinematography of Hsiang Chienn is splendid. Again, not in a show-off way, but every image and camera movement is well-thought-of and seems natural.
In conclusion, if you can go to the festival- go for it. I personally felt safe virus-wise, and the experience was absolutely worth it. When it comes to the movie, I am well aware that not everyone will be lucky enough to watch it on the big screen and in 35mm, but- even on your TV or computer screen- “Blue Gate Crossing” is absolutely a must-watch comedy. It has now entered the (long) list of movies I will watch over and over.
