Backdrop preview Super Citizen backdrop
Super Citizen

Super Citizen (1985)

Apr 01, 1985 1h 50m Drama

A young man from the country comes to Taipei to search for his sister from whom he has heard nothing during the past year. Beginning in a tenement slum, the young man travels through the city's lowlife, where street hustlers sell fake Rolex watches and other contraband, gangs fight each other, and the ubiquitous sex businesses ply their trade. The young man befriends a rich teenage girl and a young prostitute as he and a hustler who knew his sister search for her through a trail of clues leading to restaurants, dance joints, and brothels.

Directed by Wan Jen

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Wan Jen
Writer
  • Liao Ching-Sung
  • Wan Jen
Producer
  • John Woo

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Super Citizen examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Wan Jen brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1985, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Super Citizen took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 142 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 1748 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1985, when this film was released:
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: April 1, 1985
  • Runtime: 1h 50m

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