Three Times (2005)

"Three Times" (2005) is an enchanting triptych of stories, each exploring the complex dance of love and longing, set against the backdrop of different eras in Taiwan. The first tale, "A Time for Love," transports us to 1966 Kaohsiung, where a chance encounter over a game of pool ignites a poignant connection between Chen, a soon-to-be soldier, and May, a captivating bar girl. Their relationship unfolds through exchanged letters, their words carrying the weight of unspoken feelings and expectations. When Chen returns on leave to find May gone, his quest to find her becomes a compelling testament to the endurance of love. In 1911 Dadaocheng, "A Time for Freedom" unfolds. Here, Mr. Chang, a writer entwined in the plush confines of a brothel, finds himself drawn to Ah Mei, a courtesan with a voice that sings of dreams beyond her cage. As he finances her transition to concubine, an unasked question lingers. Will he aid her quest for freedom? His silence is the only answer. Fast forward to 2005 Taipei, and we meet the participants of a tangled love triangle in "A Time for Youth." Zhen, a photographer, finds himself torn between Jing, his girlfriend, and a charismatic bisexual singer. In a world of cell-phone calls, text messages, and computer files, their communication becomes as messy as their relationships, highlighting the paradox of our connected yet disconnected modern world. Each chapter in "Three Times" offers a unique meditation on the changing nature of love, freedom, and communication over the course of a century. The threads of these stories weave together into a rich tapestry that transcends time and circumstance, leaving an indelible impression on the viewer.

Three Times is a drama movie featuring Shu Qi.

It is possible to buy Three Times on Amazon Video.