Watch On Happiness Road

On Happiness Road is a Taiwanese animated film directed by Hsin-Yin Sung, and released in 2017. The film follows the life of a young Taiwanese woman named Chi, who has moved to America and is now forced to return home to Taipei to care for her elderly grandmother. Along the way, she reflects on her childhood and the memories that shaped her into the woman she has become.

The film uses a combination of animated sequences and live-action footage, creating a unique visual style that blends together the fantastical and the real. The animation itself is gorgeous, featuring a hand-drawn aesthetic that feels both nostalgic and modern. Meanwhile, the live-action scenes are shot in a more traditional manner, capturing the bustling streets of Taipei and the daily lives of its citizens.

At the heart of On Happiness Road is Chi's own personal journey. As she reconnects with her old friends and family members, she begins to confront the traumas and conflicts she experienced growing up in Taiwan. The film delves into themes of political unrest, cultural identity, and intergenerational conflict. However, it does so in a way that feels natural and organic, never forcing its message or themes on the audience.

In many ways, On Happiness Road is a coming-of-age story. Through Chi's eyes, we see the complexities of growing up in a changing world, and the ways in which our childhood memories can shape who we become as adults. The film also touches on the idea of the American Dream, and the questions of whether it is truly attainable, and at what cost.

One of the strengths of On Happiness Road is its use of humor. The film is not afraid to inject levity into its otherwise serious subject matter. The humor is often absurd and surreal, such as a scene in which Chi imagines herself as a giant octopus attacking her old school. However, it is always grounded in a sense of joy that helps to offset the darker themes of the film.

Of course, a film like this would be nothing without its characters, and On Happiness Road boasts a rich and varied cast. Gwei Lun-mei is fantastic as Chi, imbuing the character with a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty that makes her journey all the more compelling. Meanwhile, the supporting cast, consisting of Chi's old friends and family members, are all fully-realized and memorable characters in their own right.

Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, On Happiness Road is a beautiful film that explores complex issues with nuance and grace. Its message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity is one that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

On Happiness Road is a 2018 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes.