‘Yi Yi,’ directed by Edward Yang, is a poignant Taiwanese drama that delves into the lives of a middle-class family in Taipei. Through its nuanced storytelling and intricate character development, the film explores themes of existential contemplation, familial bonds, and the passage of time. Yang’s masterful direction creates a deeply introspective cinematic experience that resonates on multiple levels.
In ‘Yi Yi,’ Edward Yang employs a rich tapestry of literary devices to weave a narrative that is both intimate and universal. Here are ten key literary devices with specific examples from the film:
Symbolism
Movie Scene
Device Example
NJ and Sherry’s reunion
The letter NJ keeps symbolizes unresolved feelings and the passage of time.
Yang-Yang’s photographs
The photos symbolize the search for truth and understanding from different perspectives.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene
Device Example
Grandma’s illness
Her initial fainting spells foreshadow the family’s impending emotional struggles.
NJ’s business deal
The uncertainty in NJ’s business dealings foreshadows his later professional and personal crises.
Irony
Movie Scene
Device Example
Min-Min’s retreat
Despite seeking spiritual solace, Min-Min feels more disconnected and lost.
These events bookend the film, allegorically representing life’s cyclical nature.
Character Analysis Through Literary Devices
Character Studies
Literary Device
Explanation
NJ
Symbolism: NJ’s jazz records symbolize his yearning for freedom and escape from mundane realities. Flashbacks: His memories of Sherry reveal his unresolved feelings and the impact of past choices on his present.
Min-Min
Monologue: Her soliloquy to her mother-in-law highlights her existential despair and search for meaning. Irony: Despite seeking peace at a spiritual retreat, she returns more lost and disconnected.
Yang-Yang
Metaphor: His photographs symbolize his quest for understanding and truth from different perspectives. Dialogue: Conversations with NJ reveal his innocent yet profound insights on life.
Ting-Ting
Juxtaposition: Her experiences are contrasted with NJ’s to highlight generational approaches to problems. Dialogue: Her interactions with Fatty explore themes of young love and personal growth.
Character Dynamics
The relationships in ‘Yi Yi’ drive the narrative and themes forward. NJ’s complex relationship with Sherry underscores themes of lost love and unfulfilled potential. Min-Min’s struggle with her role in the family highlights the theme of existential searching. Yang-Yang’s interactions with his family reveal a child’s innocent pursuit of truth. Ting-Ting’s romantic and familial relationships illustrate the turbulence of adolescence and the search for identity.
Analysis: Her soliloquy to her comatose mother-in-law highlights her existential despair, enhanced by the intimate cinematography and quiet sound design.