This is Taiwan's submission to Oscar 2009. 

It has set a NEW box office record in Taiwan for local films 
It is 2nd just behind Titanic in Taiwan 
So, it has broken all other Chinese films (e.g., Lust Caution, Red Cliff, etc) 

Taipei box office 
click 
http://cape7.pixnet.net/blog/post/21746004 
1. Titanic $380 million 
2. Cape No.7 $230 million (as of 20 Nov) 

Taiwan's box offcie 
click 
http://ent.sina.com.cn/m/...8-10-22/20122216993.shtml 
about $400 million (as of 21 Oct, according to a China website) 
In Oct, it was still behind Titanic and Jurassic Park 
Now, it is only 2nd to Titanic 

Unlike Hou Hsiao Hsien or Edward Yang, whose films are slightly slower in pace, and more contemplative in nature, this film is more accessible to the masses. It really speaks the heart of the "common" people. It is a film made about Taiwanese for Taiwanese ... IMHO, I think you have to understand the Taiwanese language (Hokkien) and history (e.g., btw Taiwan and Japan) to fully appreciate it. Fortunately, I do. Despite this claim, it has recently garnered the Best Narrative Film Award at 2008 Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival. * clap clap * 

There are a number of things I really like ... 
e.g., 
-- the Japanese narration of the love letters * wow * 
-- the supporting cast, they really steal the show 
-- a lot of fantastic (or funny) lines ... 
-- the piano piece and the slow song ... 
BUT, there are things I am slightly reserved about (which I shall not mention here) 

In sum, I would like to say ... go support the Asian movie industry ... 

It is a film worth watching, esp. in these difficult times ... 

rgds 
hengcs