Goodbye, Dragon Inn

不散

20031h 22m Directed by Tsai Ming-liang
6.8
(163 votes)
Drama

Overview

On a dark and rainy night, a historic and regal Taipei cinema sees its final film: 1967 martial arts feature "Dragon Inn".

Goodbye, Dragon Inn

A Bittersweet Ode to Cinema: "Goodbye, Dragon Inn" Review

Diego Santillán
Diego SantillánSep 24, 2025
"Goodbye, Dragon Inn" is a poignant and contemplative film that pays tribute to the golden age of cinema, while also exploring the themes of nostalgia, loneliness, and the passage of time. The movie takes place on a rainy night in Taipei, where a historic cinema is screening its final film, the 1967 martial arts classic "Dragon Inn". As the audience watches the movie, the camera pans out to reveal the empty corridors, dusty projection rooms, and faded grandeur of the cinema, evoking a sense of melancholy and nostalgia. The film's use of long takes, static shots, and minimal dialogue creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the world of the cinema.

The film's director, Tsai Ming-liang, is a master of capturing the beauty of decay and neglect, and "Goodbye, Dragon Inn" is no exception. The cinema, with its peeling paint, creaky seats, and faded posters, is a character in its own right, and the film's attention to detail is stunning. The way the light reflects off the wet pavement, the sound of the rain pounding against the roof, and the musty smell of the cinema's interior all combine to create a sensory experience that is both immersive and haunting. At the same time, the film's use of the 1967 movie "Dragon Inn" as a backdrop adds an extra layer of depth and meaning, highlighting the ways in which cinema can transport us to another time and place.

Despite its many strengths, "Goodbye, Dragon Inn" is not a film for everyone. The pacing is slow and deliberate, and the lack of dialogue and plot may be off-putting for some viewers. Additionally, the film's themes of nostalgia and decay may be too introspective and melancholic for viewers looking for a more upbeat or action-packed movie. However, for those who appreciate a more contemplative and cinematic experience, "Goodbye, Dragon Inn" is a must-see. The film's exploration of the relationship between cinema, memory, and identity is both profound and deeply moving, and its use of imagery and sound is nothing short of breathtaking. Overall, "Goodbye, Dragon Inn" is a beautiful and haunting film that will linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.

CAST

Lee Kang-sheng
Lee Kang-sheng
Projectionist
Chen Shiang-Chyi
Chen Shiang-Chyi
Ticket Woman
Kiyonobu Mitamura
Japanese Tourist
Miao Tian
Miao Tian
Self
Shih Chun
Shih Chun
Self
Chen Chao-jung
Chen Chao-jung
Self
Yang Kuei-mei
Yang Kuei-mei
Peanut Eating Woman

Trailer

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