Green Grass, Pale Fire

Taking place in the 1930s on one island of the Japanese Empire, a few Pinginumu or the ‘escapees,’ attempt to flee from the infamous Green Jail coal mine but lose their way. They suffer from starvation, risk a brutal beat-up if caught, or if lucky, they swim to regain freedom. They become the hungry wandering living-ghosts. After the war, locals have more or less witnessed the miners’ ghosts that remain wandering about, as if they were still the poor souls that lost direction.

Directed by Huang Yin-yu, Green Grass, Pale Fire leans on a strong ensemble — Atom Lai, Lee Guo-chiang — 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 2021.