Summer Blue Hour

Summer Blue Hour is a poignant tale of unrequited love, nostalgia, and the complexities of human relationships. Through the eyes of the protagonist, SU Ming-yi, played by CHENG Yu-xi, the film masterfully weaves a narrative that explores the intricacies of the human heart, revealing the depths of love, loss, and longing. SU Ming-yi, a bright and ambitious young woman, returns to her hometown for the opening of her photography exhibition. As she shares her artwork with her loved ones, Ming-yi finds herself lost in thought, reminiscing about her high school days and the enigmatic YAN Li-yao, played by SHIH Bo-yu. In those carefree days, Ming-yi was the model student, donning the esteemed role of class monitor, while struggling to confess her deepening feelings for YAN Li-yao, a charming individual with a free-spirited nature. In their high school years, YAN Li-yao and his close friend, CHENG Yan, (played by LIN Zi-heng) were an inseparable duo. Their contrasting personalities often clashed, but their bond remained strong. Ming-yi and YAN Li-yao, however, lived parallel lives. Despite the numerous encounters between them, he remained oblivious to her hidden affections, and Ming-yi chose to keep her emotions locked deep within her heart. Their furtive interactions only intensified Ming-yi's resolve to hold back her feelings, all the while harboring a secret crush on the charming senior. The delicate dance between the two begins to take shape when, during a high school graduation ceremony, YAN Li-yao unexpectedly extends an offer to Ming-yi – a 'trial' relationship, designed to help her understand what she truly feels. Ming-yi accepts, and they embark on a journey of discovery. With each passing day, Ming-yi finds herself torn between her secret yearning and the reality of the unrequited connection she shares with YAN Li-yao. As the years unfold, SU Ming-yi sets out to forge her own path, determined to make a name for herself in the world of photography. The camera, once a tool for capturing memories of YAN Li-yao, gradually becomes an extension of her being – an instrument for expressing her own unique perspective and capturing the essence of the world around her. Meanwhile, YAN Li-yao and CHENG Yan navigate their own paths, each grappling with personal struggles, yet remaining inseparable despite the distance that sometimes grew between them. The turning point in the narrative comes when Ming-yi stumbles upon an old roll of film buried deep within her belongings. This chance discovery brings back memories of YAN Li-yao and the pivotal moments they shared together. As Ming-yi begins to rummage through her archives, she uncovers a trove of photographs that reveal the depth of their unrequited love – a testament to the longing that remained hidden beneath the surface for years. Through the veil of a photography exhibition, the narrative reveals the fragments of a story once shrouded in mystery. The audience is invited to step into the world of SU Ming-yi, navigating a landscape painted with vibrant colors of love, nostalgia, and heartache. As the camera lingers on Ming-yi's artwork, we begin to understand the emotional depth that underlies each photograph – a testament to the human condition, with its triumphs, struggles, and the eternal search for connection. Ultimately, Summer Blue Hour proves to be a poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption, as the characters navigate the complexities of human relationships. Through SU Ming-yi's journey, we are reminded that our choices, actions, and emotions have the power to shape our destinies. As the story unfolds, we find ourselves entwined in the threads of the characters' lives – entwined in the delicate dance between love, longing, and the enduring quest for a deeper comprehension of ourselves and the world around us.