Taiwanese cinema welcomes a fresh yet deeply resonant voice with Girl (2025), the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actress Shu Qi. Premiering at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 4, 2025, this coming-of-age drama has already garnered attention for its heartfelt storytelling and evocative portrayal of 1980s Taiwan. Written and directed by Shu Qi, Girl is a promising first step into filmmaking for one of Taiwan’s biggest stars, delivering a narrative that balances personal trauma with the hope of self-discovery.
Set in 1988 Taiwan, Girl follows Hsiao-lee, a reserved young girl trapped in a joyless environment shaped by a painful past. Her introverted existence shifts when she meets Li-li (played by Lin Pin-Tung), a lively and carefree girl of the same age whose vibrant spirit begins to crack open Hsiao-lee’s guarded world. As their friendship blossoms, Hsiao-lee grapples with her mother Chuan’s reemerging past, navigating the tension between familial burdens and her yearning for freedom.
Girl boasts a talented ensemble, with young leads such as Lai Yu-Fei as Hsiao-lee and Lin Pin-Tung as her counterpart, supported by Roy Chiu, singer 9m88, and Bai Xiao-Ying, while Esther Liu and Chen Chu-sheng round out the cast.
Shu Qi, a celebrated actress known for her roles in Hou Hsiao-hsien’s Millennium Mambo (2001), Three Times (2005), and The Assassin (2015), steps confidently behind the camera. Inspired by her experience on the jury of the 80th Venice International Film Festival in 2023, Shu Qi channels her three decades in the industry into a directorial vision that feels both personal and cinematic. She cites Hou Hsiao-hsien as a major influence, noting that Girl would not exist without his mentorship.
Filming wrapped in autumn 2024, with cinematographer Yu Jing-pin and editor William Chang (both frequent collaborators with auteurs like Hou) lending their expertise to create a visually striking and cohesive film. Lim Giong’s music complements the mood, weaving a delicate soundscape that enhances the story’s emotional weight.
Produced by Yeh Jufeng, Girl is backed by Aranya Pictures, CMC Entertainment, J.Q. Pictures, and Mandarin Vision, with Goodfellas handling international sales outside Asia. The film’s selection for the Golden Lion at Venice marks a significant milestone, making it the first Taiwanese production to compete for the festival’s top prize since Tsai Ming-liang’s Stray Dogs in 2013. Its upcoming screening at the 30th Busan International Film Festival on September 21, 2025, for the Bosan Awards further cements its status as a festival darling.
Since its Venice premiere, Girl has received a warm but mixed response from critics, praised for its emotional honesty and visual beauty while occasionally critiqued for its pacing. Variety calls it “sincere but lanky,” noting its unflinching portrayal of abuse and poverty within Taiwan’s patriarchal 1980s society. The Hollywood Reporter describes it as “raw and courageous, though not always gripping,” highlighting Shu Qi’s ability to evoke empathy despite a sometimes somber tone. Little White Lies lauds its “strange, breathtaking imagery,” while Loud And Clear Reviews praises its slow rhythm, stating it “demands patience but rewards with spiritual depth.” On social networks, fans have celebrated Shu Qi’s directorial debut, with posts describing the film as “vibrant and emotional” and commending her tearful pride during the Venice standing ovation.
Stay tuned for updates on Girl’s theatrical release and streaming availability.
