Alifu is the third feature from 7 Days In Heaven director Yu-Lin Wang. A multi-thread queer drama about responsibility and commitment, it's funny in parts and heartbreaking throughout. An astonishingly efficient script is brought to life with powerful performances from Bamboo Chen (in his Golden Horse winning role), Wu Pong Fong and Jen Shuo Cheng and supported beautifully by Yi-Lan Chao (the spectacular star of Drifting Flowers) and Taipei's King Of Drag Queens, Matt Fleming.
But the real revelation of Alifu is the non-actor stars of Utjung Tjakivalid as Alifu and Parangalan as the Chief. The authenticity of these two goes beyond acting and positions the film alongside the likes of Michael Winterbottom's In This World.
It's a deeply moving piece with the courage to not provide easy answers for the complexity of gender, sexuality and tradition.
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