Lee Yun Chan has resumed feature filmmaking following a two-decade hiatus with “To Be Ordinary,” which serves as Taiwan’s sole entry in the competition section of the Busan International Film Festival. Lee previously made her directorial debut with a feature film in 2005 and has since worked on television productions, including a Disney+ series.
The film centers on Yu Jie, a college student and web designer whose life changes dramatically after a motorcycle accident. An elderly driver responsible for the incident transfers ownership of his house to Yu Jie and provides ongoing financial support for medical treatment and living expenses. The accident becomes a catalyst for Yu Jie’s family to rebuild their relationships through shared meals and daily interactions, while Yu Jie develops a connection with his physical therapist. The narrative explores how this unexpected event disrupts the fragile equilibrium the family had established.
Lee developed the concept approximately a decade ago while managing family responsibilities. Principal cast members Weber Yang, Chang Shih Ying, and Junior Hsieh participated in preparation activities including grocery shopping, cooking, and hiking together to establish authentic family dynamics. The filming process extended over 42 days. For the three actors, this marks their first appearance at Busan.
Yang, who portrays an unemployed father, connected with the material during a personal period of uncertainty. Chang, playing the mother, explored themes of family dynamics and self-reflection through her character. Hsieh, who plays a character dealing with disability, borrowed a wheelchair during preparation to gain perspective on mobility challenges and adjusted his physical awareness accordingly.
Following its Busan world premiere, the film will screen at the Tokyo International Film Festival and the Golden Horse Film Festival before opening in Taiwan theaters on Nov. 13. Producers noted that while the film targets a specialized audience, its themes regarding family reconciliation may appeal to broader viewership.
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