X
  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Big World Pictures
  • 1 h 46 m
  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Big World Pictures
  • 1 h 46 m

Summary Defying his parents, Hsiao Kang (Lee Kang-sheng) drops out of the local cram school to head for the bright lights of downtown Taipei. He becomes obsessed with Ah Tze (Chen Chao-jung), a petty thief, and their relationships is a confused mixture of hero-worship and rivalry that soon leads to trouble.

Written By: Ming-liang Tsai

  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Big World Pictures
  • 1 h 46 m
  • 2015
  • Not Rated
  • Big World Pictures
  • 1 h 46 m

Rebels of the Neon God

Metascore Universal Acclaim Based on 10 Critic Reviews
82
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 12 User Ratings
7.2
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary Defying his parents, Hsiao Kang (Lee Kang-sheng) drops out of the local cram school to head for the bright lights of downtown Taipei. He becomes obsessed with Ah Tze (Chen Chao-jung), a petty thief, and their relationships is a confused mixture of hero-worship and rivalry that soon leads to trouble.

Written By: Ming-liang Tsai

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 10 Critic Reviews
82
100% Positive
10 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Universal Acclaim Based on 10 Critic Reviews
82
100% Positive
10 Reviews
0% Mixed
0 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
90
Apr 7, 2015
Tsai isn't without mischief — one key to this film's hypnotic power is humor so subtle it's practically subliminal — but his preferred takeaway is the pathos, the still-universal frustration, of an unanswered ringtone.
By Jonathan Kiefer FULL REVIEW
88
Jul 9, 2015
Despite the self-conscious derivativeness and allusions, Tsai’s debut already demonstrates the contrariness and motifs that have distinguished him as a unique, difficult, and transcendent filmmaker.
By Peter Keough FULL REVIEW
88
Jul 3, 2015
A breathtaking, disturbing look at urban angst and the emptiness of youth culture.
By Tirdad Derakhshani FULL REVIEW
80
Jun 11, 2015
As a first film, it is incredibly accomplished, its influences (French New Wave, Wong Kar-Wai) apparent but integrated.
By Robert Abele FULL REVIEW
80
Apr 9, 2015
Mr. Tsai typically uses narrative as a tool for exploring the moods and meanings that link his characters with one another and with the city that awakens, contains and frustrates their desires. They seem very much stuck in their world, but because that world is the creation of a wildly original artist coming into his own, it also feels alive with possibility.
By A.O. Scott FULL REVIEW
75
Apr 8, 2015
Consequently, it’s primarily of interest to longtime fans, or to those who think they might become fans and want to take this opportunity to start at the beginning. If nothing else, this is a rare case in which a director’s feature debut doubles as his greatest-hits album. To watch it is to simultaneously see where Tsai Ming-liang came from and precisely where he was headed.
By Mike D'Angelo FULL REVIEW
70
Apr 8, 2015
Though Rebels Of The Neon God is missing the austerity and discipline that would make Tsai’s master-shot style so effective—and funny—its relatively conventional approach (including a recurring musical theme!) doesn’t obscure the beautiful, enigmatic tone that’s long set him apart.
By Scott Tobias FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 12 User Ratings
7.2
67% Positive
8 Ratings
17% Mixed
2 Ratings
17% Negative
2 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 12 User Ratings
7.2
67% Positive
8 Ratings
17% Mixed
2 Ratings
17% Negative
2 Ratings

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Central Motion Pictures
Release Date Apr 10, 2015
Duration 1 h 46 m
Rating Not Rated
Genres
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Awards

Golden Horse Film Festival
• 1 Win & 5 Nominations
Nantes Three Continents Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Tokyo International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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