Entertainment

Girlfriend Boyfriend

Today the young street protesters in “Girlfriend Boyfriend” might call their movement Occupy Taiwan, but the movie opens in 1985, before anybody had come up with the concept. Director Gillies Ya-che Yang’s soap opera takes place against the backdrop of martial law in Taiwan, which is rescinded by the time the film ends nearly 30 years later.

The story focuses on three friends who evolve from high school rebels to mature adults. Mabel, the female third of the group, has the hots for Liam, but he lusts for the clique’s other male, Aaron. You can imagine the complications.

“Girlfriend Boyfriend” starts as a comedy, but quickly turns into a soap opera with too many subplots. The strong point is Lun Mei Gwei’s performance as Mabel. She’s one of Taiwan’s most sought-after actresses, but unfortunately is little-known outside Asia. To see what the fuss is about, catch her in this flick.