This movie isnt what I was expecting. It is adaptation of Tao Lins book Taipei, yet it is very loose adaptation, and more like some semi-biographical story about Tao Lin and one of his relationships. Because of this,movie doesn't know what it wants to be and doesn't properly capture spirit of the book Taipei. Actors are also somewhat unconvincing in their roles, either from miscasting or from just awkward screenwriting. Directing isn't terrible, yet isn't very impressive either. There been movies showing footage from computer screen doing it successfully like Searching(2018) or documentary Don't F**k With Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer(2019) and this movie could have done the same yet missed its chance. Also this movie seems to be low budget. With that said, with weird pacing and style, there is certain charm to it, its original and not so boring.

Some pacing issues, but overall hyper engaging and stylized. Great use of color. Both actors in the leads really believable. Would recommend to people to watch it.

Excellent sound editing- particularly the use of saturated moog, stereo panning and compression to simulate the aural qualities under drugs. The cinematography was fantastic too, especially the taiwan sequence. Can't say much about the plotline- it was the sort of book that cannot be ported to movie in any concise manner with its stream-of-consciousness mode of prose. Justin Chon's character was a quite faithful representation of Tao Lin, capturing the monotonous deadpan demeanour fans cherish the author for. Worth a watch, but perhaps not a whole lot beyond that.

This movie follows a young girl with no apparent ambition or job and her relationships, smoking and drugs. Supposed to be based on a book that I have not read. After the movie I wouldn't read it but I hope it is better than the movie. Would not recommend wasting time viewing since there are lots of really good movies out there.

I did enjoy parts of the movie but it deff. won't be a cult classic as it lacks substance. The visual styles of the movie were good and the acting was ok, but the plot lines seemed to go no where, 5.1

The colors are vibrant and shot really beautifully. It reminded me of my younger self finding freedom yet feeling lost at the same time, just without all the drugs lol!

Great performance by the two leads. Cinematography spot on.

Watched it on Showtime and although I have not read the book it is based on, Taipei, from the description of the book it does sound like much was followed including the names of the main characters. Guessing the success of the movie Crazy Rich Asians might have been a factor in the film airing before the 2019 date. The film is an unapologetic glimpse of a celebrity Asian writer and his circle of wealthy friends but focuses on the relationship that develops. It is sot for everyone and don't expect any Hollywood ending here. I do feel it was worth the watch but passing up on it would be no big deal.

Before leaving this review I read some others- just to clear things up, this will NEVER EVER be a train spitting. Period. This movie goes absolutely nowhere. I know it's based on a book, but this movie so falls short. Yes the cinematography is very good, I will give it that. And the music during drug scenes and around Taipei was also done well. But I felt like all I did was watch a couple use drugs over and over and over with no...what's the word...enlightenment about anything they were doing? Sure she deleted their documentary footage in the end but I felt like there was no depth to the film, it was all just superficial. And the actors, well I feel like the lead girl didn't fit the part and I often had a hard time understanding her. If you feel like watching this movie on a free channel, go ahead but I wouldn't waste a dime paying to see it.

Outstanding movie great storyline perfect actors even Parents. Must see film . Reality bites in a good way!