DVD Corner

Yi Yi Criterion 4K UHD Review

“Yi Yi” is arguably Edward Yang’s best film.  

Written and directed by Edward Yang (who is perhaps best known for “A Brighter Summer Day”), “Yi Yi” is a 2000 Taiwanese drama film. The story centers around the Jian family living in Taipei which is made up NJ (the father), Min-Min (the mother), Ting-Ting (the daughter), Yang-Yang (the son), the grandmother, and Min-Min’s brother A-Di (recently married with a pregnant wife). Over the course of 173 minutes, the film navigates their everyday lives with each character having their own storyline. The grandmother has a stroke, NJ struggles with his business and falls for an old flame (Sherry again), A-Di is dealing with his ex (Yunyun) and money woes, Mi-Mi goes to a Buddhist temple to deal with her grief, Ting-Ting becomes embroiled in a romance involving her friend Lili’s lover Fatty, and Yang-Yang becomes interested in photography while dealing with problems at school. 

At one point in the film the character Fatty utters the quotes “Life is a mixture of sad and happy things” which feels a perfect summation of “Yi Yi.” It’s an ambitious ensemble tale about life’s complexities whether they be joyful or sad. It’s a story about love, regret, grief, disappointment, POVs, communication (or a lack thereof), aging, money, mistakes, and above all family. It’s also a deeply existential film that makes you think about life.

Edward Yang (whose life was tragically cut short due to cancer) really had a knack for telling grounded stories that feel so detailed and observed while always feeling nothing short of cinematic. The way he frames simple things, uses the background, or uses color always makes an impression. He never does it in a showy way, but rather gets to the heart of the scene and the characters within it. 

The entire ensemble cast here is excellent but Wu Nien-jen (NJ) and Jonathan Chang (Yang-Yang) stand out here with their quiet, introspective, and thoughtful performances.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 2160p. How does it look? The film has been given a 4K digital restoration based on a 35mm original image negative of the original Hi8. The print looks dazzling and features richer colors.

Audio Track: Mandarin 2.0 DTS-HD MA and 5.0 DTS-HD MA. The 2.0 track is the original theatrical track while the 5.0 track is an alternate. Both tracks deliver, but the original theatrical audio has an edge. Everything from the score to the wedding party sounds potent.

Extras:
* Blu-ray copy
* Commentary by Edward Yang and Asian film critic Tony Rayns on the 4K and Blu-ray
* U.S. theatrical trailer
* A booklet with credits, an essay by filmmaker Kent Jones and notes by Edward Yang.
* A 15 minute interview with Tony Rayns about the New Taiwan Cinema movement.

January 13, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | 4K UHD Review | Criterion Collection, Edward Yang, Taiwanese Film, Yi Yi Criterion 4K UHD Review