Though Dead, Still Alive

Meilian and her husband Jianhe are the most loved-up couple, but three years ago, Jianhe became a vegetative state due to an accident. To cover the substantial medical expenses needed for their son’s long-term care, the Xu family has had to rely on various government subsidies to survive. One day, they were about to undergo an assessment to apply for a new subsidy, but unexpectedly, their son Jianhe passed away! Jianhe’s mother Yinggui and father Fuqiang, desperate to receive the subsidy, coerced Meilian into creating the illusion that Jianhe was still alive, leading to a series of absurd and comical events.

Directed by Charles Yang, Though Dead, Still Alive leans on a strong ensemble — Candy Yang, Joseph Hsia, Fang Wen-lin — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about tv movie titles of 2025.