Synopsis
Li Tian-lu’s face was already familiar from Hou Hsiao-hsien’s previous films. In this movie, the actor and puppeteer recounts the story of his youth, intertwined with Taiwan’s history in the early 20th century. The director dramatizes his character’s memories as well as those of his country amidst puppet performances and enactments, showcasing his signature style characterized by ellipses, a penchant for long takes, and fluid camera movements. “The Puppetmaster” became the first Taiwanese feature film to compete at Cannes, where it earned the Jury Prize. (G.B.)
Director
Hou Hsiao-hsien
Born in 1947, filmmaker Hou Hsiao-hsien stands as one of the leading voices of what became known as "Taiwan New Cinema", a movement that took the international film scene by storm in the 1980s. Among his contemporaries from that period, he boasts the longest and most distinguished career, with all of his films since the late 1980s being featured at major festivals worldwide. Over the course of his impressive artistic journey, he has directed 18 feature films, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential filmmakers of the past 40 years.
Thursday 14:15 
