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 find beauty in quiet moments between lovers, this intimate three-act romance delivers a deeply personal journey through one woman's defining relationships. If you need dramatic plot developments or faster pacing to stay engaged, this meditative exploration of love across different life stages will likely feel too leisurely.
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
