Chou, a sensitive teen craving independence, struggles as the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis hits his family's finances and worsens tensions at home. He secretly works at a billiard hall, forming a bond with gang leader Button, but faces setbacks like Button's enlistment and peer conflicts. Caught by his father, their relationship worsens. At school, his crush Min leaves due to war fears, and pressure from a teacher deepens his uncertainty.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
21 people
Chen Hsuan-li
Hsueh Po-Chou (Chou)
No other roles listed
Wu Kang-ren
Hsueh Yun-Ming (Father)
Known for
Copycat Killer
The World Between Us
May Suen
Hsu Mei-Chun (Mother)
Also in
The Magician on the Skywalk
Sunshine Women's Choir
Huang Di-yang
Chen
Known for
Dead Talents Society
The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon
Cheng Yu-chieh
Mr. Cheng (Cheng)
Known for
The Pig, the Snake and the Pigeon
Monga
Cheng Chih-wei
Mr. Liu (Liu)
Known for
96 Minutes
Who Killed Cock Robin
Brian Wen
Ma Kuo-Hui (Ma)
Also in
A Bridge in the Mist
Su Wei-hua
Button
Also in
Because of You
Unofficial History of Time
Chang Shao-an
Bragging
No other roles listed
Huang Gong-yun
Shasha
No other roles listed
Chen Kuan-yuan
Big Head
Also in
Breaking and Re-entering
Phoebe Chu
Zhen
Also in
To Be Ordinary
The Grandmaster's Gift
Tsao Shih-han Director · Chan Chen-chih Cinematographer Once Lee Editor
United States release October 21, 2025 · Produced in Taiwan · Original title 南方時光
Production
Taiwan
Produced in
Languages
Original title
南方時光
Original language
Chinese
Spoken on screen
Chinese
Release dates
Spain · September 20, 2025
Premiere · San Sebastian International Film Festival
United States · October 21, 2025
Premiere · Hawai'i International Film Festival
Taiwan · November 14, 2025
Theatrical
United States
September 14, 2026 · Premiere · Taiwan Film Festival of Boston
Argentina
April 16, 2026 · Premiere · Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema
France
January 29, 2026 · Premiere · Festival International des Cinémas d’Asie de Vesoul
October 7, 2026 · Premiere · War on Screen
Italy
June 5, 2026 · Premiere · Milano Film Festival
Lithuania
February 9, 2026 · Premiere · Taivanas ekrane
South Korea
July 12, 2026 · Premiere · Busan International Kids & Youth Film Festival
Switzerland
September 28, 2025 · Premiere · Zurich Film Festival
Taiwan
October 26, 2025 · Premiere · Kaohsiung Film Festival
November 9, 2025 · Premiere · Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival
May 1, 2026 · Digital · Hami Video / CHT MOD
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