Innocence

Set in a small village in Taiwan, "Innocence" tells the story of Lee Hsiang (played by Gwei Lun-mei) an ambitious and determined young lawyer. Her life takes a devastating turn when her mother is accused of murdering her stepfather at his own funeral. The village is in an uproar as they struggle to come to terms with the tragedy, and Lee Hsiang's mother is the prime suspect. The alleged crime occurs during a ceremony in which the mourners consume rice wine in remembrance of the deceased. However, the wine has been poisoned, and her stepfather dies under tragic circumstances. Lee Hsiang's mother, however, is not alone in her grief. She suffers from severe memory loss, which makes it nearly impossible for her to recall the events of that fateful day. Faced with the unyielding determination of the village authorities, and the lack of evidence to prove her mother's innocence, Lee Hsiang sets out to unravel the mystery behind the tragedy. Despite her mother's debilitating condition, Lee Hsiang is resolute in her quest for the truth. With the help of the local mayor, Tsai Yi-ting (played by Victor Huang), who becomes her ally and confidant, she embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets of the village. As the story unfolds, Lee Hsiang discovers that her mother is not alone in suffering from memory loss. Several other residents in the village exhibit similar symptoms, hinting at a much larger and far more sinister force at play. With her own life on the line, Lee Hsiang delves deeper into the mystery, navigating the complex web of village politics, family loyalties, and social expectations. She gathers evidence, interviews witnesses, and faces off against a powerful adversary who is desperate to keep the truth hidden. Throughout her investigation, Lee Hsiang also faces resistance from Tsai Yi-ting, who seems to know more about the village's secrets than he lets on. Their complicated dynamic adds an element of tension to the story, blurring the lines between trust and distrust. Despite the obstacles, Lee Hsiang remains steadfast in her determination to clear her mother's name and uncover the dark secrets at the heart of the village. As the stakes grow higher, Lee Hsiang becomes increasingly isolated, pushing away her family and friends in her pursuit of the truth. Her determination, however, also galvanizes the support of the villagers, who are increasingly aware of the injustices perpetrated against her mother. A growing sense of solidarity forms between Lee Hsiang and her community, as they all come together to demand justice for the wronged woman. In this gripping drama, the small village becomes a character in its own right. With its closely-knit community and intricate social dynamics, the village becomes a place of both shelter and danger. Through its residents' complex relationships and entrenched loyalties, the village's dark underbelly is slowly revealed. As Lee Hsiang delves deeper into the mystery, she must confront the true horror at the heart of the community she calls home. The tension builds towards a heart-stopping climax, where Lee Hsiang confronts the mastermind behind the tragedy and her mother's subsequent accusations. With her life and her mother's name on the line, she makes a dramatic and courageous stand, forcing the authorities to confront the truth. In the end, justice is served, but not without scars for all parties involved. The film concludes on a hopeful note, with Lee Hsiang emerging stronger and wiser, having uncovered the secrets of her village and redeemed her mother's honor.