Cinema Society

TOUCH OF THE LIGHT

Average
Rating

3.6

Tuesday, December 03, 2013, Sherwood Auditorium, Museum of Contemporary Art, SD

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3

On Screen: 4:30pm or 7:30pm (You Pick!)

Sherwood Auditorium, Museum of Contemporary Art, La Jolla

Cinema Chat and Introduction begins 15 minutes prior to screenings

Discussion follows screenings

Field Trip to Sherwood Auditorium, Museum of Contemporary Art in the Village of La Jolla

In Association with the Pacific Arts Movement and the San Diego Asian Film Festival

Taiwan Oscar® Submission

TOUCH OF THE LIGHT

Based on true events related to the life of Taiwanese piano prodigy Huang Yu-Siang (Siang played by himself), this is a story of inspiration, discovery and love. Born to a rural family in Taiwan unprepared for the birth of a blind son, Siang was a curious and precocious child. Touch and sound was everything to him. With the love of his mother and support of his family, he grew up with no barriers – that is until he had to face the real world as he left his family behind in order to attend university where he had to compete on the same playing field as the sighted students and to find his own way.

He soon crossed paths with Jie (Sandrine Pinna), a beautiful but frustrated cold drinks vendor who dreams of being a dancer, but whose struggles against the harsh realities of her life render her helpless. However, when she witnesses Siang’s fearless determination and understood his optimism and inner peace, she is inspired and determined to hold on to her dream.

Not Rated. Running Time: 110 Minutes

PLEASE NOTE: This event is presented at Sherwood Auditorium inside the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego, 700 Prospect Street, La Jolla (858-454-3541).

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: TOUCH OF THE LIGHT is in Mandarin with English Subtitles.

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4-Dec-13: Mroe - Rating: 4

Started out heartbreaking but became heartwarming, what a lovely, lovely film. There was something about Siang’s face that was so sweet, kind and inviting and I couldn’t help but want to be his friend. Like last night’s “co-host” to Andy, I too really loved the scene at the beach and felt the “freedom” that Siang was experiencing. An interesting insight to the Taiwanese culture and human capacity.

4-Dec-13: RichG - Rating: 4

Last night film, to me, was the best of the year (so far)....It was well told and edited. The story was inspirational and heartfelt. Yes, I cried.

The previous reviewer should know the San Diego Dance Company preforms several pieces without music. It's all about the grace and fluidity of the body and the dance itself. Sometimes beautiful. Sometimes you scream out for the distraction of the music.

In my practice I have several Asian couples. It is RARE for them to be affectionate in any way, shape or form. While find is strange, it is not for me to impose my Jewish-American values on others. For all I know they may find me using a fork instead of chopsticks an affront to their sensibilities.

Hopefully this season will bring along more movies of this nature. No "Fast and Furious" for this crowd.

4-Dec-13: SiouxMac - Rating: 3

An enjoyable movie about an interesting person. I also enjoyed the performances from all the supporting characters - the mother, the roommate, the dance teacher, and the Tea Shop boss. I appreciated the camera work and the effort to show how Siang experienced the world. And while I appreciated the juxtaposition of his performance and her dance at the end, I thought it was a little silly that a dancer would show up to an audition with no music.

I was struck by what must be a cultural difference in the way the families said goodbye. When Siang left with his mother, there was no hugging with his sister or father. And when the mother left him at college, again, no hugging!