It is unsurprising that parents often define themselves through their children, with their own relationship often taking a backseat to the invested growth and health of their prodigy. Certainly, anyone can point to a family wherein the parents stayed together for the sake of their kids despite the apparent disconnection between each other. At the same time, there is an understanding that a good long relationship takes a lot of work to maintain, particularly once the ‘nest' becomes empty. Po-Yu Chen's “Paint Again” encapsulates such struggles, showing the viewer the need to give back to your partner to maintain a reciprocal, loving bond.
“Paint Again” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
The focus of this film lies on the patriarch of the family, a slightly tragic character who seems to live in a perpetual state of anticipation for his son to come and visit. The man's wife, comparatively, pushes on and tries to find her own identity by becoming involved in an art group as a way to meet others. Furthermore, the narrow-mindedness of the husband sees this as more of an annoyance as her requests to go on outings with friends seems like an unnecessary distraction on a life he has focused on his child. However, when the father learns that his son is cancelling on his plans, causing him to look inward and realize that something in him needs to change.
This journey is something that anyone can relate too, the need to shift one's path when bogged down in unhealthy ideation or obsessions. In this case, it is applied to living through one child to the determent of other relationships, but this sentiment can be applied to almost any activity or obsessions that overrides our closest relationships. As such, Po-Yu Chen understands how to convey this message through subtle reflections, transforming everyday instances into a tragic portrait of longing. For example, after coming across a father and son playing catch in a field he goes out an purchases one, as we see him shining it up in anticipation. At face value, this action can be seen as a loving gesture and nothing more, yet, the knowledge that the Overall, Po Yu Chen is able to craft a deeper narrative by guiding viewers through actions they may have, otherwise, seen as mundane..
Playing the troubled father, Chin-Liang Liao gives a convincing performance in how you would expect a somewhat sheltered patriarch to act. As the character does begin to open up, Liao gives a convincing transformation as he begins to reflect on his actions towards his wife. This culminates in what is the most poignant and touching moment in the film where he goes to purchase paint. Unfortunately, to explain the beautiful sincerity of this sequence would venture into spoiler territory, but it marks a lovely conclusion for Liao's character that audiences will want to see for themselves.
“Paint Again” shows that director Po-Yu Chen understands the beautiful simplicity of everyday life and how profound moments can be interpreted through minor gestures – his other short “Happy Birthday To Me” highlighting further proof of this ability. It will be fascinating to see what the director does next and if he is able to expand his wholesome, life affirming style to a larger production. However, if he keeps crafting heartwarming mini-narratives it will still be a joy to follow – inject a bit of happiness in your life by giving this one a watch.
