Is Connection by Fate Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1998)
A-Te used to be a social movement fanatic. But after suffering the pain of divorce and the death of his child, he changed his profession and became a taxi driver. Ma Le, a young ab...
β¨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Drama cinema, then Connection by Fate offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1998 landscape.
π₯ Target Audience
π Detailed Analysis
π The Core Premise
With the release of Connection by Fate (1998), audiences are invited back into the world of Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A-Te used to be a social movement fanatic. But after suffering the pain of divorce and the death of his child, he changed his profession and became a taxi driver. Ma Le, a young aboriginal man, came to Taipei alone to earn a living on construction sites. However, unable to bear the exploitation, and in a rage, Ma Le accidentally killed a site superintendent and was sentenced to death. A-Te gave Ma Le a ride in his taxi on the night that Ma Le committed the killing and their two fates were thereafter intertwined."
π¬ Performance & Direction
A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Tsai Chen-Nan's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.
π€ Why You Should Watch (or Skip)
Is Connection by Fate worth your time? If you appreciate Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.
π Final Verdict
Ultimately, Connection by Fate is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities.
With a runtime of 108 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.
Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.
β³ Time Investment
At approximately 1.8 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.