Backdrop preview 5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe backdrop
5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe

5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe (2020)

Feb 14, 2020 10m

Fong and Fang are a gay couple together for eight years. Even after the same-sex marriage has been legalized in Taiwan, Fong, his family’s only son, still cannot accept Fang’s proposal. Fong is also being pressured to have offspring, and he actually wants to have a child of his own. Fong’s student, Sayuri, happens to be pregnant at this very moment and seeks help from Fong to get an abortion, but Fong comes up with a different plan… Will everything work out for Fong?

Directed by Zero Chou

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Zero Chou

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe represents a fascinating example of cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Zero Chou 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of 5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 10 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 36 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 177 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The film contains approximately 1721 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2020, when this film is released:
  • Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
  • Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While 5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, 5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Panti Sisters and Naked Boys Singing! explore similar territory, 5 Lessons in Happiness: Baby Maybe stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 14, 2020
  • Runtime: 10m