CODA

To be a CODA (child of deaf adult), “Tien-Sheng” learnt to express love through body language and eye contact without speech. He was the bridge to communicate with the outer world for his family since young. After his father’s passing, his daily routine was to accompany his mother to the morning market and translate throughout including those embarrassing topics for a teenager. However, with the passage of Tien-Sheng’s puberty, he discovered his hearing is deteriorating. With the upcoming dance competition, he chose to escape from reality and dare not to confront with his mother. Just like the gradual deterioration of hearing and his father’s memorial ceremony, the lost will never return in life but the footprints of memories will be left behind.

Directed by Hsiang Chun LEE, CODA leans on a strong ensemble — Gail 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 screen titles of 2019.