Cinematic Motif

I am Taiwanese: Filming the Parallels Between Czechia and Taiwan ft. Dan Svátek

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0800

The Czech documentary I am Taiwanese was shown at a special screening in Taipei earlier this month. It centers on Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil’s 2020 visit to Taiwan. This week, we sit down with director Dan Svátek to explore the five years he spent making the film.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

I Swear: Is it actually okay to laugh?

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we talk about I Swear (出口成髒), the film which won Best Actor at the BAFTAs last year. We explore the film's humor, its heartwarming take on Tourette's, and the impeccable performance by Robert Aramayo.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

May Maestro: Chen Ming Chang

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:00:00 +0800

For the last episode of May Maestro, we’re heading back to Taiwan to explore the legacy of Chen Ming Chang (陳明章). As a renown Taiwanese musician, he has dedicated his life to creating music that truly represents Taiwan and the value of democracy. Stay tuned to find out how he became the first Taiwanse composer ever to claim an international award for film music.

To send your feedback or messages, feel free to find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café).

May Maestro: Ludwig Göransson

Fri, 22 May 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we continue our May Maestro series with Ludwig Göransson, a composer for both TV and films, as well as a pop music producer. Stay tuned to find out how his music brings unique sonic textures to the works of Ryan Coogler and Christopher Nolan.

To send your feedback or messages, feel free to find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café).

May Maestro: Thomas Newman

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we continue our May Maestro series with Thomas Newman, the score composer for Shawshank Redemption, Finding Nemo, and more. Stay tuned to find out how his music stands out from his film composers family.

To send your feedback or messages, feel free to find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café).

May Maestro: Michael Giacchino

Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we continue our May Maestro series with Michael Giacchino, the score composer for The Incredibles, Zootopia 2, Up, and more. Stay tuned to find out how this film school student became a maestro in music in the end.

To send your feedback or messages, feel free to find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café).

May Maestro: Justin Hurwitz

Fri, 01 May 2026 13:00:00 +0800

May Maestro is back after two years! This week, we kick things off with Justin Hurwitz, the brilliant score composer behind La La Land, Babylon, and First Man. Stay tuned to get to know how his pieces correlate with each other musically.

To send your feedback or messages, feel free to find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café).

Two Prosecutors: Naivety vs bureaucracy under Stalin's Geat Purge

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we talk about the Cannes competition film, Two Prosecutors (大檢察官), which was one of my favourites at the festival last year. We explore how the film uses its form to represent the bureaucracy of the Soviet Union in the age of the Great Purge.

Two Prosecutors is out today in cinemas all over Taiwan, released by Andrews Film.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Festival in Focus: Taiwan International Documentary Festival 2026

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0800

One of Asia's biggest documentary film festivals is coming back! Pei-hua (佩樺), festival programmer for the Taiwan International Documentary Festival (TIDF), reunites with Wanson after two years to give listeners a glimpse of TIDF this year, including its focus on Palestinian archives, Sensory Ethnography Lab, and Green Team (綠色小組).

TIDF 2026 will take place from May 1 to May 10. Tickets are on sale right now. Please refer to their website for more information.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Producer: Wanson Wang

Production Assistant: Tony Chen

Ratatouille: Anyone can cook!

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we revisit the 2007 Pixar animated classic Ratatouille as we discover the essence of cooking through the story of a rat chef.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

“Sunshine Women’s Choir” facing backlash, Harry Potter TV show’s trailer, and Oscars moving outside Hollywood

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we talk about some of the biggest news in the film industry in over the week. Why does a Taiwanese film stirs controversy with its release in China? What are the updates on the new Harry Potter TV series and Oscars ceremony’s new venue. Stay tuned to find out more!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Timestamp: Wartime Trauma and Resilience in Ukrainian Schools

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0800

It’s been four years since Russia invaded Ukraine. What is life like for students there today? This week, we explore Timestamp (學校的牆不見了), the only documentary selected for the Competition section at the Berlin Film Festival 2025, which presents a mosaic of the everyday lives of teachers and students from different corners of Ukraine.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Project Hail Mary: Amaze! Amaze! Amaze!

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0800

Project Hail Mary (極限返航), which tells the story of a middle school teacher who wakes up alone in space, is out in the US and Taiwan this week. In today’s episode, we break down why this film works so well, including its strong production team and themes of bravery. Plus, we analyse what it says about Hollywood’s post-pandemic comeback.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

A Screen for All: Is a lucky draw effective at defending Taiwan’s democracy in cinemas?

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0800

Since 2000, Taiwan has maintained strict import quotas on Chinese films. The Ministry of Culture limits theatrical releases to 10 titles per year.

While this policy is intended to protect the local industry and democratic society from political propaganda, the selection process, which relies on a lucky draw system, has sparked debate about its fairness and efficacy.

In this third and final episode of the A Screen for All series, we examine the structural and legal challenges facing Chinese cinema in Taiwan. We ask: Why does the current system allow political propaganda to slip in while blocking independent films that criticise the Chinese government?

The episode features film critic and festival programmer Wonder Weng (翁煌德), who discusses the practical failures of the current lottery draw, including the recent Black Dog controversy. We are also joined by Wesley Huang (黃品惟), a cinephile and law school graduate student, who proposes a reform toward a risk-based content review to defend Taiwan's democracy while protecting artistic expression.

【A Screen for All】Series Catalogue

EP 1｜Why did China boycott the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan?

EP 2｜How Taiwan becomes the new home for Hong Kong’s banned stories

EP 3｜Is a lucky draw effective at defending Taiwan’s democracy in cinemas?

A Screen for All: How Taiwan becomes the new home for Hong Kong’s banned stories

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:00:00 +0800

Imagine you are a documentary filmmaker in Hong Kong.

In 2016, you released a film about the Umbrella Movement, where protesters were met with excessive police force. By 2022, you released another documentary that discusses the history and future of Hong Kong, following the 2019 Anti-Extradition Law movement. At some point, your works were all banned from being screened in the city that raised you. Would you leave your homeland to find the space to create?

In the second episode of the A Screen for All series, host Wanson is joined by director Chan Tze Woon (陳梓桓), the filmmaker behind Yellowing (2016) and Blue Island (2022), to discuss his new journey in Taipei.

We dive deep into why Taiwan has become a place for filmmakers who can no longer film in their homeland, and explore how Taiwan can support these filmmakers in diaspora.

While political oppression may force a filmmaker to censor their own heart, freedom is the only thing that gives their vision life.

【A Screen for All】Series Catalogue

EP 1｜Why did China boycott the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan?

EP 2｜How Taiwan becomes the new home for Hong Kong’s banned stories

EP 3｜Is a lucky draw effective at defending Taiwan’s democracy in cinemas?

A Screen for All: Why did China boycott the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan?

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0800

In 2025, Chinese superstar Fan Bingbing (范冰冰) was named Best Actress at the Golden Horse Awards (金馬獎) in Taipei for her role in the Malaysian film Mother Bhumi. Yet, Fan wasn't there to accept her trophy, only participating via phone call.

Since her 2018 tax-evasion controversy, Fan has worked almost exclusively outside China. Meanwhile, Beijing continues its years-long boycott of the Golden Horse Awards—once the undisputed "Oscars" of the Chinese-speaking world.

If you look at the official photos of the Golden Horse Awards from a decade ago, you’ll see a bunch of A-list stars from China. Today, those seats are often filled by different faces, including independent directors from Kuala Lumpur, documentary filmmakers from Hong Kong, and local Taiwanese creators.

This is the first episode of the A Screen for All series, in which we examine the resilience and freedom of Taiwan's film industry and how Taiwan is becoming a creative hub for Chinese-speaking films in Asia.

This week, we start with how China’s boycott is reshaping the Golden Horse Awards, and why the Taiwan market remains a vital safe room for filmmakers across Asia. Wanson explains the context of China's boycott, and is joined by Wonder Weng (翁煌德), a film critic and festival programmer, to discuss the aftermath.

【A Screen for All】Series Catalogue

EP 1｜Why did China boycott the Golden Horse Awards in Taiwan?

EP 2｜How Taiwan becomes the new home for Hong Kong’s banned stories

EP 3｜Is a lucky draw effective at defending Taiwan’s democracy in cinemas?

My Lunar New Year Film Repertoire

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0800

Happy Lunar New Year! What is your favourite thing to do during the holiday? For Wanson, it has always been watching movies. This week, Wanson shares his New Year film repertoire, including 4 DVDs directly from his bookshelf—perhaps some of these films will be your cup of tea!

2026 Oscars Trend Breakdown

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 13:00:00 +0800

The Academy Awards ceremony will take place on 15 March. As we count down to the big night, Wesley Pin-wei Huang, a cinephile who writes film reviews, joins us again this week to discuss some of the key trends at this year’s Oscars. Is the Academy becoming more international? Does the nomination list reflect new aesthetics in cinematic language? Tune in to find out!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Highlights of the Oscars 2026 nominees

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0800

The Oscar nominees for 2026 have been announced. As the award ceremony approaches, let’s go over some of the strong contenders with our friend Wesley Pin-wei Huang, a cinephile who writes reviews for several platforms in Taiwan. We talk about Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, Sentimental Value, and more!

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It Was Just an Accident: Iran's authoritarian regime and Jafar Panahi's resistance

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we’ll discuss "It Was Just an Accident," Jafar Panahi’s 2025 Palme d’Or–winning film made under repression. At a moment of unrest in Iran, this is cinema as a form of resistance.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

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The Smashing Machine: Is Dwayne Johnson finally acting?

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0800

You’ve never seen him like this. This week, we’re talking about the film "The Smashing Machine," the winner of Best Director at last year's Venice Film Festival, and breaking down Dwayne Johnson’s unrecognisable transformation into the MMA legend Mark Kerr in the movie.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Films to be Expected in 2026

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0800

It's that time of the year! This week on Cinematic Motif, Wanson shares some of the most anticipated and interesting films from Taiwan and around the globe set to be released in 2026, including Double Happiness (雙囍), Hamnet, Toy Story 5, and more.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

I Dream of the Ocean: Syaman Rapongan’s Literary World

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0800

Have you ever been to Lanyu, also known as Orchid Island? Today, Wanson is bringing you a newly released documentary in Taiwan, I Dream of the Ocean (大海浮夢), which tells the powerful and poetic story of Indigenous writer Syaman Rapongan and his deep connection to the ocean.

I Dream of the Ocean is in cinemas in Taiwan right now.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

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New Year Blockbuster Mixtape!

Fri, 02 Jan 2026 13:00:00 +0800

Happy New Year! In this New Year special edition of the programme, as Wanson is still recovering from a serious cold, we’ll listen to some blockbuster soundtracks to get you in the right mood for the challenges of 2026.

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Left-Handed Girl shortlisted for the Oscars, Taiwan’s 2025 box office, and Netflix buying Warner Bros.

Fri, 26 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0800

In the final episode of 2025, Wanson shares updates from the cinema industry, including a Taiwanese film shortlisted for the Oscars, Taiwan’s 2025 box office champion, and the potential impact of Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Christmas Special: The Grand Budapest Hotel

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0800

It’s almost Christmas! This week, Wanson shares a not-so-typical Christmas film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and explores its film score, its underlying anti-Nazism themes, and its celebration of human bonds.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Barbie: feminism, women's identity, and queerness

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0800

Do you still remember the summer of 2023, when we had the "Barbenheimar" phenomenon? This week, Wanson revisits the film "Barbie" with you as we explore the film’s layered themes of feminism, women's identity, and queerness in the movie.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Golden Horse Awards 2025: Best original film songs

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0800

The Golden Horse Awards, one of the most prestigious film awards in the Mandarin-speaking world, held its 62nd ceremony on 22 November this year. This week, Wanson takes you through some of the highlights in the ceremony’s winners, including films like Mother Bhumi (地母), A Foggy Tale (大濛), and more.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Eternity: Who would you choose to spend the afterlife with?

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0800

What would you do if you had only one week to choose who and where you are going to spend your eternity with in an afterlife? Today, we’ll be talking about "Eternity," a new A24 production that asks this difficult question and features brilliant performances from Callum Turner, Elizabeth Olsen, and Miles Teller.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Brokeback Mountain, Ang Lee's talk, and queer tragedy

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0800

Ang Lee, the Oscar-winning Taiwanese director, directed "Brokeback Mountain," the 2005 classic film about two gay cowboys love story. Two days ago, Wanson got the chance to watch the screening of the movie and hear Ang Lee’s talk at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival. Tune in, as Wanson shares how he was deeply moved by this beautiful and compelling story.

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Once Upon My Mother: Mum's love and the 1960s Paris

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we dive into a story about a mother’s love as well as the fine line between devotion and control. We’ll explore Once Upon My Mother, France’s hit film about Roland Perez, a boy born with clubfeet, and the mother who shaped his entire life. Plus, Wanson explain how this film captures the spirit of 1960s Paris.

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La La Land: Why does it remain timeless after nine years?

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we’re heading back to the city of stars. Released in 2016, La La Land is a film that reminds us what it means to dream, to love, and to lose, with the rhythm of jazz. As the movie was re-released in Taiwan in September, Wanson got the chance to watch this movie again in a theatre. Why does the film remain timeless after nine years? Stay tuned to find out!

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How does world cinema find its 'wings' in Taiwan? ft. Albert Yao

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we continue our chat with Albert Yao (姚聖洋), president of Swallow Wings Films (海鵬影業), one of the leading distributors of European films in Taiwan. Albert shares some box-office miracles, discusses his favourite role among sales, distribution, and production, as well as explains what keeps him passionate about the film industry.

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Distributing European films in Taiwan ft. Albert Yao

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0800

This week, we sit down with Albert Yao (姚聖洋), president of Swallow Wings Films (海鵬影業), one of the leading distributors of European films in Taiwan. What is the landscape of European films' market in Taiwan? And what really happens behind the scenes of movie screenings — from acquisition to release? Tune in to find out!

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Festival in Focus: Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival 2025

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0800

Taiwan's largest and longest-running film festival, the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival, will be held from 6 to 23 November. This week, Wanson shares his personal recommendations and the films he’s most excited about from this year’s festival programme.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Heartstopper, Elon Musk cancelling Netflix, and LGBTQ+ representation

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0800

“Cancel Netflix for the health of your kids.” That’s what Elon Musk, the multibillionaire owner of Tesla and X, wrote in a post last week, criticising transgender content on the streaming platform.

But is LGBTQ+ representation really harmful to children? And how could the portrayal of queer characters on Netflix have a positive impact? Today, we talk about the Netflix series Heartstopper, Elon Musk’s controversial remarks, and much more on Cinematic Motif.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

The Old Oak: Far-right protest, immigration, and the power of solidarity

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0800

This week, we'll explore Ken Loach’s The Old Oak, a touching film that portrays solidarity combatting anti-immigration forces. Wanson will also reflect on the recent anti-immigration protest in London. How can cinema help us confront prejudice and bring hope to our society? Stay tuned to find out!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Festival in Focus: Women Make Waves International Film Festival 2025

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0800

This year marks the 32nd edition of the Women Make Waves International Film Festival (台灣國際女性影展). As the festival is about to start next month, Chen Huei-Yin, the festival's curator, is back at Rti again after a year! How do women filmmakers of our generation untangle societal constraints through the practice of cinema? This week, Huei-Yin talks about the topic this year, "A Room with a View," and film recommendations for first-timers.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Wicked: Segregation, identities, and disillusionment

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0800

Have you watched the big blockbuster musical Wicked from last year? Today, we’ll explore this origin story of a so-called wicked witch. Additionally, we’ll see how it addresses identity politics within its almost fairytale-like format.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

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The scoop and buzz at Cannes 2025

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0800

Red carpets, world premieres, and long ovations... Wanson and Joanne went to one of the most important events in the film industry. Joanne experienced it with the 3-Day in Cannes pass, whereas I covered it with a press badge. How was our experience? Is it easy to apply for a badge? Stay tuned to find out!

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No Other Land: Conflicts, humanitarian crisis, and Taiwan's dilemma

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0800

In this episode, we explore No Other Land, a powerful Oscar-winning documentary on Palestinian displacement, and connect it to Taiwan’s recent debates on aiding Israel in a medical project. How do films and humanitarian discussions extend across borders? Stay tuned to find out!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

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Flow: Can humanity unite in the face of crisis?

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0800

This week, Wanson is joined by another film enthusiast, Joanne. We dive into Flow, an Oscar-nominated animation where animals, not humans, face a world after the flood. How can this story mirror our human society? Stay tuned to find out!

*Note: It wasn't a serpent-eagle in the film, but a secretarybird. Sorry for the confusion.

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The Cinematic Takeaways from Paris

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0800

This week, Wanson and Allen continue their discussion on the vibrant cinematic industry in Europe. How can these experiences offer insights for improving Taiwan’s film industry? What challenges does Taiwan currently face? Stay tuned to find out!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Exploring the Cinema Landscape in Paris

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0800

Wanson is back from his 7-month leave! This week, he shares stories of his life in Paris and the vibrant cinematic culture that the city has to offer. Additionally, he is joined by Allen, who stayed in the Netherlands last year, to discuss the European cinema landscape in general.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Ask me anything and say goodbye!

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0800

This week, Emilie catches up with Wanson before he moves to Paris as a 6-month exchange student. They talk about films, work as a radio presenter, and everything in between.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

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Departure: Toy Story 3, Belfast, and Luca

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0800

Wanson is about to temporarily leave the Rti English team to be an exchange student in Paris for 6 months. This week, he shares some of his favourite films related to saying goodbye.

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● The List of Films:

1. Toy Story 3

2. Belfast

3. Luca

Who still goes to cinemas in Taiwan?

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0800

Do you go to cinemas? With streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, people have more and more alternative options for watching movies, and thus we do not have to go to cinemas, particularly after the pandemic broke out in 2020. In this week's programme, Wanson talks to Dr. Fong Pohan (馮勃翰), an associate professor in the Department of Economics at National Taiwan University, who is one of the major scholars studying the cinema industry in Taiwan. Plus, we listen to the voices of young people from film critic Wesley and content creator Victoria (@paris_rispas).

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

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Films to be Expected in 2025

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 01:00:00 +0800

Happy New Year! This week on Cinematic Motif, Wanson shares some of the most anticipated and interesting films from around the globe set to be released in 2025.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. 96 Minutes (96分鐘)

2. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

3. Avatar: Fire and Ash

4. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

5. Elio

6. A Complete Unknown

Look Forward to the Oscars 2025

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Wanson is joined by fellow film critic Wesley (黃品惟) to chat about how the 2025 awards season, including the Oscars race, could shape up. This week on the show, they discuss three strong contenders that could take centre stage. Tune in to find out!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Conclave

2. The Brutalist

3. Anora

Christmas: Love Actually, Love, Simon, and Last Christmas

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Christmas is around the corner. On today's show, Wanson shares three movies that will surely give you a festive feeling. After all, love is the keyword to Christmas.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Love Actually

2. Love, Simon

3. Last Christmas

Vacation: Triangle of Sadness, Matthias & Maxime, and Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0800

The vacation season for holidays in winter is approaching! This week, Wanson shares some movies related to vacation.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk

2. Triangle of Sadness

3. Matthias & Maxime

Press: AIBs updates, The Post, and The French Dispatch

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Wanson just came back to Taiwan after attending the AIBs ceremony in London. This week, he shares his updates and a movie playlist inspired by his trip.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. The French Dispatch

2. The Post

Snow: Frozen, Supernova, and Snow in Midsummer

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0800

As the weather gets colder, Wanson shares some movies that are (loosely) connected with the motif of snow.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Snow in Midsummer (五月雪)

2. Frozen

3. Supernova

Golden Horse Awards 2024: Best original film songs

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Tonight is the Golden Horse Awards ceremony! As a little warm-up, Wanson shares some songs nominated for the Best Original Film Song. Plus, a quick look at some past winners.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Dead Talents Society

2. 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days

3. Day Off

4. My Best Friend's Breakfast

Birthday: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Lady Bird, and Leaving Virginia

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0800

It's Wanson's birthday on November 18! To celebrate his 21st birthday, he shares a selection of films that capture themes of growing up and birthdays on this week's Cinematic Motif.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Leaving Virginia (破處)

2. Lady Bird

3. The Rocky Horror Picture Show

London: Paddington, Living, and 84 Charing Cross Road

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Wanson is about to visit London to attend the AIBs award this month. As a warm-up, he brings you through some films about London this week.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Paddington

2. 84 Charing Cross Road

3. Living

2024 Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 01:00:00 +0800

The 2024 Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival is about to start on 8 November. In this episode, Wanson walks you through some of the highlights in the programmes this year. Since there are too many titles being mentioned, listen carefully!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Women's Bravery: It Ends with Us, Little Big Women, and Helene

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0800

How can women stand up against the patriarchal society? This week, Wanson guides you through women's bravery in cinematic works from Taiwan, USA, and Finland.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Little Big Women (孤味)

2. It Ends with Us

3. Helene

Farm: The Rice Bomber, God's Own Country, and Peter Rabbit

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0800

From a farmer protesting in Taiwan to the sheep on a farm in Yorkshire, UK, Wanson explores movies related to farms in this week's Cinematic Motif.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. The Rice Bomber (白米炸彈客)

2. Peter Rabbit

3. God's Own Country

Food: The Making of an Ordinary Woman, Wonka, and The Taste of Things

Sat, 12 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0800

World Food Day is on 16 October! This week, let's delve into the delicious food in movies (and a TV drama) from Taiwan, France, and the UK.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. The Making of an Ordinary Woman (俗女養成記)

2. Wonka

3. The Taste of Things

Espionage: Weekend in Taipei, The Imitation Game, and Boy from Heaven

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Weekend in Taipei, produced by Luc Besson and shot in Taipei, was just released in Taiwan! It is an exciting action-comedy film that narrates a US agent's adventure in Taipei. This week, we'll be exploring films set in Taiwan, the UK, and even Egypt that feature some spies.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Weekend in Taipei

2. The Imitation Game

3. Boy from Heaven (Cairo Conspiracy)

Women Make Waves International Film Festival 2024

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0800

The 31st edition of the Women Make Waves International Film Festival (台灣國際女性影展) is about to start in October. On this week's Cinematic Motif, Huei-Yin Chen, the curator of the festival, joins Wanson to discuss the topic this year "Spacing" and film recommendations for first-timers.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Miyazaki's Motif: Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron, and Howl's Moving Castle

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most renowned film directors in the world. This week, Wanson explores the "motifs" that appear regularly in his movies.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Howl's Moving Castle

2. Spirited Away

3. The Boy and the Heron

Normal Days: GAGA, Perfect Days, and Soul

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Are normal days always boring and tedious? This week, Wanson explores a variety of people's daily lives through movies form Taiwan, Japan, and the USA.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. GAGA (哈勇家)

2. Perfect Days

3. Soul

Host Wanson's cinematic journey

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Having started to write/talk about films since his junior high school, Wanson shares his cinematic journey, including how he completed his first interview with filmmakers from abroad at the age of 17. Plus, Wanson gives a shoutout to a listener from Bangladesh who sent in his lovely email.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Time: My Missing Valentine, Supereroi, and Tenet

Sat, 31 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This week, Wanson shares his favourite films discussing the concept of time. The time is ticking, tune in now!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. My Missing Valentine (消失的情人節)

2. Tenet

3. Supereroi (2021)

4. Yesterday

Singing: Listen Before You Sing, Rocketman, and Sing Street

Sat, 24 Aug 2024 01:00:00 +0800

On this week's show, Wanson explores the value and the power of music through some singing-related films. Sing it out loud!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Listen Before You Sing (聽見歌再唱)

2. Singin' in the Rain

3. Rocketman

4. Sing Street

Movies Made Me: Becoming a movie lover with Allen

Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:10:00 +0800

Our usual guest Allen is moving to the Netherlands to study there! In his final episode, he shares the movies that changed him and made him who he is. He also talks about the turning points when he started to view cinema differently.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Bolt

2. The Shawshank Redemption

3. Still Life

Ghost Month: Coco, Marry My Dead Body, and Onward

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The ghost month just started in Taiwan! On this week's Cinematic Motif, Wanson and Allen share some (perhaps spooky) films to watch.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Marry My Dead Body (關於我和鬼變成家人的那件事)

2. Coco

3. Onward

Father: Scrapper, Billy Elliot, and Crayon Shin-chan

Sat, 03 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Do you know that Father's Day in Taiwan is on 8 August? This week, Wanson and Allen guide you through some films discussing different aspects of fathers. Happy Father's Day!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Billy Elliot

2. Crayon Shin-chan: Intense Battle! Robo Dad Strikes Back

3. Scrapper (怪胎女孩)

Olympics: Jump! Men, Mario, and 42

Sat, 27 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Paris 2024 Olympics commences today! This week, Wanson brings you through some films related to the Olympics and sports.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Jump! Boys (翻滾吧！男孩)

2. Jump! Men (翻滾吧！男人)

3. Mario (2018)

4. 42

Working in cinemas with Yushi

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

How does it feel to be working in cinemas? On this week's Cinematic Motif, Wanson is joined by university student Yushi, who once worked in a major movie theatre in Taiwan, to discuss the pros and cons of working there. Tune in to find out more!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

Wanson is also on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Summer: Call Me by Your Name, Barbie, and Summer of 85

Sat, 13 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

What could happen during summer in movies? This week, Wanson and Allen discuss the image of summer reflected in the summer-vibe films.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Eternal Summer (盛夏光年)

2. Call Me by Your Name

3. Summer of 85

4. Barbie

Filmmaking: Babylon, The Book of Solutions, and film history

Sat, 06 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0800

How do filmmakers make movies in Taiwan and abroad? This week, Wanson and Allen walk you through film history and some movies about filmmaking.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. The Moment (我們的那時此刻)

2. Babylon

3. Saving Mr. Banks

4. The Book of Solutions

Taiwanese short film MAMU premieres in London!

Sat, 29 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0800

UK-based Taiwanese director Aephie Chen's debut short film, MAMU, is selected to be premiered at Sundance Film Festival London 2024! This movie talks about an Amis (an indigenous tribe in Taiwan) father living in London. What is the message behind the film? How did the director invite Taiwanese singer Suming (舒米恩) and his father to play the roles in the movie? Tune in to find out!

To follow the journey of MAMU, check them out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boatingisland/

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Films to be Expected in Summer 2024

Sat, 22 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Summer is the time to go to the cinema! This week, Wanson and Allen share their lists of films they look forward to in the summer of 2024.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Dead Talents Society (鬼才之道)

2. Fly Me to the Moon

3. Despicable Me 4

4. Inside Out 2

5. Detective Conan: The Million-Dollar Pentagram

6. The Promised Land

Pride Month: Luca, Port Authority, and The Summer with Carmen

Sat, 15 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0800

Stepping into Pride Month, Wanson and Allen walk you through four LGBTQ+ films worth watching! How do they represent gay, trans, and queerness? Tune in to find out!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Your Name Engraved Herein (刻在你心底的名字)

2. Luca

3. Port Authority

4. The Summer with Carmen

The Monk and the Gun: Modernisation and Democracy in Bhutan

Sat, 08 Jun 2024 01:00:00 +0800

This week, we're delighted to welcome Bhutanese director Pawo Choyning Dorji on Cinematic Motif. Pawo's previous film "Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom" (不丹是教室) was nominated for Best International Feature at the Oscars. In today's interview, we chat about his latest movie "The Monk and the Gun," (不丹沒有槍) which was shortlisted for the Oscars this year and was just released in cinemas in Taiwan!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Here's the trailer:

Pigs: Pigsy, Gunda, and Crayon Shin-chan's Buriburizaemon

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0800

How do pigs transform from a lazy animal to a hero? We start with the recent Taiwanese animation movie "Pigsy" (八戒), followed by a Japanese pig and some European pigs. Tune in to Wanson's chat with Allen. Oink oink!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Pigsy (八戒)

2. Crayon Shin-chan: Blitzkrieg! Pig's Hoof's Secret Mission

3. Gunda (2020 documentary)

May Maestro: Joe Hisaishi

Sat, 25 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800

For the last week of May Maestro, we get to know some of the best music works of Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi. As a long-term colleague of Hayao Miyazaki, Joe has created the melodies for so many Studio Ghibli animation films. Tune in to bring back your childhood memories!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. My Neighbor Totoro

2. Laputa: Castle in the Sky

3. Spirited Away

4. Ponyo

May Maestro: Hans Zimmer

Sat, 18 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Here's another week of May Maestro! In this month, Wanson will introduce 4 famous film score composers who are truly the 'masters' in the world of Cinema. This week, Wanson introduces his favourite film score composer Hans Zimmer!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Dunkirk

2. Interstellar

3. The Lion King

4. Hidden Figures

5. Inception

May Maestro: John Williams

Sat, 11 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Here's another week of May Maestro! In this month, Wanson will introduce 4 famous film score composers who are truly the 'masters' in the world of Cinema. This week, we listen to the tracks composed by John Williams, the oldest person to be nominated for the Oscars and the most-nominated composer.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

2. Star Wars

3. Raiders of the Lost Ark

4. Harry Potter

5. Lincoln

6. The Fabelmans

May Maestro: Alexandre Desplat

Sat, 04 May 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Welcome to the month of May Maestro! In this month, Wanson will introduce 4 famous film score composers who are truly the 'masters' in the world of Cinema. This week, we start with French musician Alexandre Desplat, a two-time recipient of the Best Original Score at the Oscars.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. The King's Speech

2. The French Dispatch

3. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

4. The Immitation Game

5. The Danish Girl

6. The Shape of Water

Red Line: La Chimera, All of Us Strangers, and Till We Meet Again

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This week, we explore the 'red lines' that appear in films from Taiwan, Italy, and Norway! As a reminder, the Italian film La Chimera (盜墓奇美拉) is still available in cinemas in Taiwan - don't miss out!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Till We Meet Again (月老)

2. La Chimera

3. All of Us Strangers

4. Ninjababy

2024 Taiwan International Documentary Festival

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The biggest documentary film festival in Taiwan is about to start in May! This week, the programmer of Taiwan International Documentary Festival (台灣國際紀錄片影展) Pei-hua (佩樺）joins Wanson to guide those who wish to participate in TIDF this year.

For more information about TIDF, go to: https://www.tidf.org.tw/en

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Campus Love: Our Times, Marguerite's Theorem, and Good Will Hunting

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This week, Wanson is joined by fellow student Allen! They talk about movies related to campus romantic stories, including Marguerite's Theorem (瑪格麗特戀習題), which will be released in Taiwan on Apr. 19.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Our Times (我的少女時代)

2. Good Will Hunting

3. Marguerite's Theorem

Immigration: American Girl, Minari, Belfast, and The Old Oak

Sat, 06 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Starting with our motif this week, the Taiwanese movie American Girl (美國女孩), we delve into discussions about the American Dream and immigration issues in cinema around the world!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. American Girl (美國女孩)

2. The Old Oak

3. Minari

4. Belfast

Travelling: Salli (莎莉), The Motorcycle Diaries, and more

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This week, let's delve into films related to travel! The Taiwanese movie "Salli" (莎莉), depicting a 38-year-old woman's journey to Paris to find true love, will be released on Apr. 3. Wanson shares his review of "Salli" and introduces more films about people's grand adventures!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Salli (莎莉)

2. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

3. The Motorcycle Diaries

4. End of Sentence

Ryuichi Sakamoto｜OPUS, and Ennio Morricone

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Film score composer Ryuichi Sakamoto (坂本龍一), who died in March last year, has left us with his one last concert film Ryuichi Sakamoto｜OPUS, which came out in Taiwan last week. In today's show, Wanson introduces Sakamoto's music legacy and the film. Plus, he shares the story of another legendary composer, Ennio Morricone.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Ryuichi Sakamoto｜OPUS

2. Ennio: The Maestro

3. Your Face

4. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence

5. Once Upon a Time in America

6. The Legend of 1900

All about 2024 Taiwan Int'l Children’s Film Festival!

Sat, 16 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Have you ever heard about a film festival particularly hosted for children? Taiwan International Children’s Film Festival, or TICFF, is about to start later this month. On today's show, we have the Deputy Director of TICFF, Guo Wuan-ling (郭菀玲), in conversation with Wanson, one of the Film Critic and Influencer Jurors of 2024 TICFF, to talk about the highlights of this year’s event and what we can expect to “watch” during the film festival.

For more information about TICFF, go to: https://www.ticff.org.tw/

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Oscars 2024: Island in Between, The Teacher's Lounge, and nominees highlights

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800

The 96th Oscars will take place tomorrow. In today's Cinematic Motif, Wanson introduces the highlights in the nominees list this year, including Taiwanese documentary Island in Between, German film The Teacher's Lounge, and more.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Island in Between (金門)

2. The Teacher's Lounge

3. Barbie

4. Oppenheimer

5. Robot Dreams

Motif: Hotel Saltwater and transitional justice

Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This year marks the 77th anniversary of the February 28 Incident in Taiwan. In today's Cinematic Motif, Wanson introduces films related to transitional justice and White Terror, along with his first-hand review of "Hotel Saltwater" (鹽水大飯店), a TV series reflecting the Formosa Incident set to be released tomorrow.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films (and TV series):

1. Hotel Saltwater (鹽水大飯店)

2. The Lives of Others

3. Labyrinth of Lies

4. A City of Sadness (悲情城市)

5. A Brighter Summer Day (牯嶺街少年殺人事件)

6. Untold Herstory (流麻溝十五號)

Movies Made Me: movie journalist Effy Weng

Sat, 24 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Welcome to the very first episode of "Movies Made Me," a feature where Wanson chats with people from the film industry or related fields, talking about the movies that have shaped their lives. This week, Wanson is joined by Effy Weng, who formerly worked for a film distributor, but is now an entertainment journalist for one of the major newspapers in Taiwan. She shares how movies help her figure out relationships, her career, and her life journey!

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Memories of Matsuko (令人討厭的松子的一生)

2. Midnight in Paris

3. The Newsroom (TV series)

Motif: Cape No. 7, Moana, and ocean

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800

This week on Cinematic Motif, we embark on a captivating exploration of oceanic culture, which is intertwined with Taiwan's history. Join Wanson as he guides you through Cape No. 7 and other compelling films that celebrate the wonder of the sea.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Cape No. 7 (海角七號)

2. Moana

3. The Shape of Water

4. Titanic

Motif: Zone Pro Site and the Lunar New Year!

Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0800

Welcome to Cinematic Motif, your weekly guide to the fascinating world of cinema! This week, Wanson talks about Taiwanese comedy Zone Pro Site (總鋪師) and other great movies for you to watch during the Lunar New Year holidays.

If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw

You can also catch Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

● The List of Films:

1. Zone Pro Site (總鋪師)

2. Harry Potter Film Series

3. La La Land

4. Stand by Me Doraemon 2