The Third Wish

A simple organic fruit farmer Rong Guang (Wu Kang-Ren) is raising his son Feng (Chen Yu-Cheng) alone in a small rural community, although with poor harvests and little money, their lifestyle is meagre. Elsewhere Feng’s mother Yi Ying (Alice Tzeng), now a successful businesswoman is being pressured by her husband Chung Hao (Tang Guo-Zhong) to have children something she strongly resists. Ying reveals that she already has a son, feng, and that he may be Chung Hao’s after all, so they begin proceedings to take feng back for themselves which Rong Guang refuses to let happen. Chung Hao demands a DNA test but before this can happen, Rong Guang collapses and is taken to hospital, forcing him to make some drastic decisions for Feng’s welfare.

Directed by Huang Ming Cheng, The Third Wish leans on a strong ensemble — Chen Yu-Cheng, Alice Tzeng, Russel Tang — 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 2012.