Film Analysis: The Hole By Tsai Ming Liang

11. The Hole (Tsai Ming Liang, 1998)
A little before 2000 a mysterious virus spreads rapidly at creates chaos in Taipei. The authorities order the evacuation of the city and warn that the supply of water will soon stop. The massive exit leaves the city almost completely abandoned apart from but some decide to stay.
In a block of flats, a woman has a problem with her house's plumbing that seems to have its root in the flat on the floor directly above. The plumber who tries to fix the problem leaves a wide hole in the ceiling. In an oppressive and dismal environment that tortures the souls of the last men standing this hole eventually becomes the sole source of human communication
Tsai Ming Liang directs a film that benefits the most from the production design that portrays a macabre and uninviting scenery and the constant sound of heavy rain, that at times is the only noise that breaks the silence of the nightmarish and claustrophobic atmosphere. The latter is largely assisted by Tsai's trademark camerawork with the long, extended takes and the narrow framing. All of these elements play the most important role in establishing the film's pervasive mood of despair, another trademark of his.
However, what sets this picture apart from the rest of his filmography is the entailment of song and dance sequences based on the music of Hong Kong

During a contest of the latter inside the classroom, he is relocated in front of Chia Yi, the class's best student, teacher's pet and most desired among her schoolmates. Initially she despises him, particularly due to its academic apathy, but after a chivalrous act, that saves her from punishment, she decides to help him with his studies, an idea that both improves his grades and creates a close relationship between the two. From then on, the film presents their relationship through the