‘Left-Handed Girl’ Review: Striking, Sean Baker-Penned Drama Sketches Compelling Portrait of Mothers and Daughters in Taiwan

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In numerous societies worldwide, the left hand is viewed as impure or even associated with the devil. For instance, some believe it to be unclean while others regard anyone using it as spiritually tainted. In Shih-Ching Tsou’s critically acclaimed solo directorial debut, Left-Handed Girl, the protagonist I-Jing (Nina Ye) discovers from her traditional grandfather Akio Chen that in Taiwanese culture, the left hand symbolizes evil. This revelation deeply troubles I-Jing, a left-handed girl who has recently returned to Taipei with her mother Chu-Fen (Janel Tsai) and sister I-Ann (Shih-Yua Ma). The challenge of adapting to city life is already daunting enough, but the added fear of possessing an ‘evil’ hand makes it even more difficult.

Twenty years after working together on the movie “Take Out,” Tsou – who has been involved in many of Sean Baker’s award-winning productions – once again takes up directing duties, crafting a charming and engaging tale about three generations of women navigating modern Taipei. The film’s power lies in its accurate portrayal of life in a vibrant cityscape, which Tsou and Baker co-wrote.

In the style similar to the movie “Take Out”, Tsou examines the intricate elements of life, particularly in environments driven primarily by capital. The film depicts survival financially and socially within such contexts, as seen through the eyes of a delivery man struggling to repay an aggressive loan shark in New York City. Similarly, Tsou presents a unique perspective in “Left-Handed Girl”. The movie is filled with poignant, introspective scenes, whether they originate from the close-knit group of vendors at the night market where Chu-Fen establishes her noodle shop or the confined living space that she shares with her daughters in Taipei.

Under Baker’s supervision, Tsou devises a cinematic language that illustrates how perspective influences a city’s ambiance. As the camera follows I-Jing navigating through the lively market, Taipei seems vibrant and spirited. However, when I-Ann rides her scooter through the streets with her windblown dark hair resembling a cape, the city takes on a different life, pulsating in a unique manner.

The Story of a Left-Handed Girl isn’t solely about urban struggle, it’s a narrative that’s subtly infused with laughter and genuine emotion. The story is woven around these elements, which give depth to each scene. Notable performances, particularly from Ma portraying the complex I-Ann, Ye as the endearing child character, and Xin-Yan Chao as their shrewd grandmother, add layers to this thoughtfully crafted portrait.

In the movie “Left-Handed Girl,” one minor issue is the unexpected use of melodrama towards its conclusion, which can feel jarring. The climactic twist arrives slightly late, not allowing enough time for the film to fully explore the consequences of crucial revelations, resulting in an awkward impact. Nevertheless, there are many aspects of “Left-Handed Girl” that deserve praise, particularly Tsou’s skillful creation of a captivating and immersive multi-generational tale about survival.

Following that talk with her grandfather, I-Jiang makes an attempt to utilize her right hand again. However, the desperate effort to adapt proves excessively difficult (scenes depicting I-Jiang struggling to draw and eat stir feelings of empathy), leading the elementary school student to accept her seemingly hopeless situation. Whenever she feels inclined to perform something questionable, such as stealing from various stalls in the night market, she resorts to using her left hand and attributes her actions to the devil’s influence.

The moments portrayed in the young character’s life echo the vibrant, blameless simplicity found in Baker’s “The Florida Project”. To begin with, I-Jiang steals trinkets such as bracelets and small toys, but as she recognizes her family’s precarious financial predicament, she attempts to steal more valuable items. Ye’s acting skillfully conveys the mix of sorrow from this burden and the exhilaration of escaping responsibility. She effectively captures the perplexity of a child grappling with their emerging moral compass.

Whilst sister I-Jiang is quietly dealing with her cursed hand, her sibling I-Ann, a slim, sharp-witted teenager, moves stealthily around the city, trying to earn a living. This young woman had shown academic potential at her rural high school, but was unable to pursue higher education due to financial constraints. Now, I-Ann works at a betel nut stand where she prepares and sells this mild stimulant to suspicious customers who arrive on motorcycles. She’s also involved with her boss, a less than honorable and somewhat dim-witted individual.

The storyline of “Left-Handed Girl” unfolds as Chu-Fen learns about her ex-husband’s passing, prompting a sense of obligation that leads her to cover the funeral costs rather than meeting rental obligations for her market stall. She attempts to seek financial aid from her parents, but their past debt issues make them hesitant to provide assistance once more. With limited alternatives, Chu-Fen finds herself in a challenging predicament. Johnny (Brando Huang), her outgoing night market neighbor, extends his help and kindness, yet Chu-Fen declines both his aid and his romantic advances.

A key element of Tsou’s movie revolves around I-Ann’s strained bond with her mom, whom she perceives as showing emotional vulnerability by continuing to back her ex-spouse. The tension between them intensifies in each sequence, symbolizing the painful widening gap they create.

In “Left-Handed Girl,” Ma and Tsai deliver powerful portrayals, suggesting their dynamic isn’t one of contempt but rather a sad, misinterpreted connection. As these elderly females grapple with taciturn replies and cold gazes, I-Jiang struggles to find her own identity within the family and beyond the city. Although the youngest character could have benefited from more intricate development, particularly towards the end when an unexpected confession puts already strained ties at risk, this doesn’t diminish the impact of “Left-Handed Girl.” It is a captivating collection of tales that skillfully emphasizes the social and economic challenges experienced by three generations of women in Taipei.

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2025-05-15 18:55