Right person, wrong era. Love is indeed the most wonderful feeling for all of us. If two people have the same interests, intentions, and feelings for each other, love would undisputedly blossom. We’re certain that there’s someone who will love us until the end of time, as some people concur that the right person comes at the right time.

 

The movie is based on real-life events. It was 1987 when the story unfolded, soon after the Martial Law in Taiwan concluded. The romantic yet despondent adventure of Chang Sia-Han and Wang Po Te (Birdy) began at a Catholic high school for boys in the latter country. Their relationship slowly became intimate – from their heartwarming almost-kiss desires to heads-rest-on-shoulders moments. However, when their school started accepting girls, and Birdy fell in love with a girl, Chang Shia-Han decided to repress his feelings. To boot, their society didn't agree or support what these two boys felt for each other; as gay people were being bullied, maltreated, and battered to death.

 

The director himself apprised in an interview that the movie pertains to his first love. Regrettably, the story revolved in the 1980s, way before the legislation of marriage equality in Taiwan. It’s quite difficult to fathom how austere it was living in that era. The film was outright impressive. The yellowish color grading, perfectly chosen settings, portrayal of the arduous society, and these seasoned actors make the whole film elite. No wonder why it was hailed as the most successful LGBT film of 2020, even Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan, endorsed it and became one of the factors for her to sign the aforementioned legislation.

 

These two boys became grown ups and reunited in Canada in the last few scenes of the film. Chang Shia-Han thought that his mere love was unreciprocated, but to his surprise, Birdy loved him since the day they met. No more spoilers hereafter.