Life Derailed

On the eve of Taiwan’s controversial referendum related to same-sex marriage, the world is crying for an outlet under the stiffing social atmosphere. Jie, a woman in her early 30s, is trying to balance her life between taking care of her ill mother in Taipei city, her aspiration as a substitute teacher in a rural county, and her lesbian identity. Her effort to earn recognition from her parents and from work falls apart after experiencing a major train derailment accident, followed by the death of her mother. Such life-changing events awaken her desires to break free from the status quo burdened by social and familial responsibilities to “fit in” and “impress”. She realizes she cannot fulfill her aspiration as an educator in the current education system and starts making peace with life of her own accord.

Directed by Diana Chao, Life Derailed leans on a strong ensemble — Chao Yi-lan, Yorke Sun, Chu Meng-hsuan — 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 drama titles of 0.