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.

Directed By: Ming-liang Tsai

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 11 User Ratings
7.0
My Score
Hover and click to give a rating Saved

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.

Directed By: Ming-liang Tsai

Written By: Ming-liang Tsai

Where to Watch

Top Cast

View All
View All Cast & Crew

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

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

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 11 User Ratings
7.0
64% Positive
7 Ratings
18% Mixed
2 Ratings
18% Negative
2 Ratings

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 11 User Ratings
7.0
64% Positive
7 Ratings
18% Mixed
2 Ratings
18% Negative
2 Ratings

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

Details

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

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

Related Movies

The Godfather

100
Universal Acclaim

Touch of Evil

99
Universal Acclaim

Pépé le Moko (re-release)

98
Universal Acclaim

Rashomon

98
Universal Acclaim

The Night of the Hunter

97
Universal Acclaim

Rififi (re-release)

97
Universal Acclaim

The Maltese Falcon

97
Universal Acclaim

12 Angry Men

97
Universal Acclaim

Mean Streets

96
Universal Acclaim

Pulp Fiction

95
Universal Acclaim

Collective

95
Universal Acclaim

Double Indemnity

95
Universal Acclaim

Taxi Driver

94
Universal Acclaim

The Irishman

94
Universal Acclaim

Carlos

94
Universal Acclaim

The French Connection

94
Universal Acclaim

Elevator to the Gallows

94
Universal Acclaim

Shoplifters

93
Universal Acclaim

The 39 Steps

93
Universal Acclaim

Uncut Gems

93
Universal Acclaim

Band of Outsiders

93
Universal Acclaim

Days of Being Wild (re-release)

93
Universal Acclaim

Related News

2024 Movie Release Calendar

2024 Movie Release Calendar

Jason Dietz

Find release dates for every movie coming to theaters, VOD, and streaming throughout 2024 and beyond, updated weekly.

  • movie
Every Zack Snyder Movie, Ranked

Every Zack Snyder Movie, Ranked

Nick Hyman

With the arrival of Zack Snyder's latest Rebel Moon chapter on Netflix, we rank every one of the director's films—from bad to, well, less bad—by Metascore.

  • movie
Every Guy Ritchie Movie, Ranked

Every Guy Ritchie Movie, Ranked

Nick Hyman

We rank every one of the British director's movies by Metascore, from his debut Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels to his brand new film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.

  • movie
April Movie Preview (2024)

April Movie Preview (2024)

Keith Kimbell

The month ahead will bring new films from Alex Garland, Luca Guadagnino, Dev Patel, and more. To help you plan your moviegoing options, our editors have selected the most notable films releasing in April 2024, listed in alphabetical order.

  • movie
DVD/Blu-ray Releases: New & Upcoming

DVD/Blu-ray Releases: New & Upcoming

Jason Dietz

Find a list of new movie and TV releases on DVD and Blu-ray (updated weekly) as well as a calendar of upcoming releases on home video.

  • movie