Jay Chou’s directorial debut Secret blends his musical roots with a heartfelt romantic drama, filmed at his own alma mater, Tamkang High School. Though his on-screen performance has mixed reviews, his work as director, writer, and composer earned critical acclaim, especially in visual and musical elements. The film won awards for Best Original Song and Best Visual Effect at the Golden Horse Awards.
The plot centers on the love story between Xianglun and Xiaoyu, with an unexpected twist that surprises the audience and adds depth to the narrative. Chemistry between the leads shines, even if Chou’s acting is outshined by Gwei Lun-mei. However, supporting characters like Qingyi feel underdeveloped, and potential subplots are left unexplored.
Though the time-travel aspect creates emotional weight, inconsistencies in visual timelines (e.g., uniforms and pianos remaining unchanged over 20 years) weaken realism. Despite this, the piano battle scenes stand out, showcasing Chou’s musical brilliance. The film reminds us that love can transcend time, but sometimes, letting go is the ultimate act of love.
Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)
