Girlfriends
The brief
Tracy Choi Ian-Sin crafts an intimate three-act portrait that follows Xin through defining romantic relationships at 17, 22, and 34, each segment feeling like flipping through different chapters of a well-worn diary. The film moves with the unhurried pace of memory itself, letting Fish Liew Chi-Yu anchor each timeline with a performance that subtly shifts between youthful curiosity, idealistic passion, and world-weary pragmatism. Rather than forcing dramatic beats, it finds meaning in the small moments between lovers - late-night conversations, morning routines, the weight of unspoken expectations. The Hong Kong-Macau-Taiwan setting adds cultural texture without overwhelming the personal story, creating something that feels both specific and universal. Perfect for fans of "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" or anyone drawn to patient, character-driven stories about how we become ourselves through loving others.
The verdict
If you have patience for slow-burn character studies and love intimate portraits of relationships that unfold like real life, this is a beautifully crafted exploration of how we grow through love across different life stages. If you prefer plot-driven narratives or need dramatic events to stay engaged, you'll likely find the unhurried pace and focus on quiet moments between lovers frustratingly uneventful.
Watch with
- 👫 Perfect for a quiet evening with your partner
- 👤 Solo viewing for emotional reflection
- ⚠️ May be slow-paced for casual group watching
Heads up
- LGBTQ+ themes and relationships (frequent)
- Immigration and visa stress (moderate)
Credits
- Director
- Tracy Choi Ian-Sin
- Cast
- Fish Liew Chi-Yu, Jennifer Yu, Elizabeth Tang, Ning Han, Natalie Hsu, Eliz Lao, Emilia Chen
Official synopsis
At 17, Xin lived a simple life in Macau. She enjoyed exploring the “world” with her DV camera, understanding
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Perfect Blue (1998)
Both explore young women's psychological journeys through identity and reality.
Total runtime: 1h 40m + 1h 22m = 3h 2m
