By: Dominic La-Viola
Left-Handed Girl is another amazing, character-driven film from Shih-Ching Tsou.
Shih-Ching Tsou and Sean Baker, who co-work and co-directed the 2004 film “Take Out,” team up once more for this astonishing, family drama that takes a deeper look into the everyday lives of a single mother trying to raise her daughters.
The film is co-written by Shih-Ching Tsou and Sean Baker and directed by Shih-Ching Tsou.
I first saw their co-directed film “Take Out” last year for the first time, which left an impact on me. So much so that the film is still rather fresh in my mind.
Tsou’s latest directing effort is similar in the sense that the film is centered around everyday people who are struggling to get by.
Following them on their efforts to make a better life for themselves and their families, all while trying to figure things out.
This film in particular centers more on the meaning of family, commitment, and doing what one believes is the right, moral thing to do even in times of crisis.
The story mainly takes place at a night market in a heavily built-up metropolis. Which really adds to the beauty of the film.
Shih-Ching Tsou really captures the city life and look so brilliantly that the city takes on a character of its own. Which is beautifully captured through the wonderful cinematography by Ko-Chin Chen and Tzu-Hao Kao.
As brilliant, heartfelt, and captivating as the film is at capturing the insight of a single mother trying to raise her daughters. There are more layers than in which we are first led to believe.
Not only capturing a parent trying to do what is best by their child, but the film also explores the idea of the negative repercussions of an elder’s actions.
From the grandpa telling I-Jing that the left hand is the hand of the devil and that it should not be used, for it’s the devil’s hand.
For it’s an old tradition, for no one to use their left hand. Everyone must be right-handed and not use their left hand, almost at all.
Which, of course, I-Jing, being just a child, doesn’t comprehend what the grandfather is trying to say, or more so, what he means by the left hand is the hand of the devil. Of course, this leads to further issues which are part of a bigger story arc. That not only develops her character, but I-Ann’s character as well.
Whom we learn has her own issues and negative repercussions due to not only her own decisions, but those of her mother.
Whom she spends a good portion of the film hating, for her own justified reasons. That once learned, not only answers the question of the resentment towards her, but also plays a part in her own development.
The film does a spectacular job of taking an insightful look into the issues and problems that affect everyday families. Expressing and showing these characters for their true nature, while never judging them for it.
Offering a comedic undertone, to a film that without it would very much be an unsettling and depressing watch. Dealing with and addressing issues that hit close to home for many.
Overall, this is a stellar film. One that not only captures the meaning of family but displays the hardships and growing pains that many go through.
Exploring the meaning of parenthood, marriage, and supporting those you love, even when they don’t deserve it.
Not to mention the film gives us stellar performances from Janel Tsai, who plays Shu-Fen. Shih-Yuan Ma, to whom this is her debut film, gives a worthy debut performance. Lastly but certainly not least, Nina Ye, who plays I-Jing. Giving us one of the best child performances in recent memory.
Overall Rating: 4.5 Stars.
Four Time Film School Dropout 
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