‘Love in Taipei’ is now streaming on Paramount+
Category: Television and Streaming
Set in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, Love in Taipei is the story of 18-year old Ever Wong (Ashley Liao). The film is based on the best-selling book Loveboat, Taipei, by Abigail Hing Wen.
Ever’s parents had moved from Taiwan to Ohio to raise their daughter. Now, before going to college, Ever is sent back to spend the summer in Taipei. Her parents enrolled her in a cultural immersion program where the students learn calligraphy, cooking, Mandarin, and everything Taiwanese. Little did she know that this experience would be life-changing.
A somewhat shy girl, Ever is immediately taken aback when she arrives in Taipei. It turns out the program is supplemented (without official approval) as a party program where everyone lets loose after class, sneaks out, and parties like there is no tomorrow. It takes a bit for Ever to join in, but once she does she finds life in Taipei a fun, invigorating, and joyous city. “Loveboat” is the word used to describe the program.
Ever is caught between two worlds. Her parents expect her to go to medical school, but her passion is dancing. Her American side is yearning to follow her heart but her Taiwanese side just wants to please her parents.
She is also caught between two men. Having been a “fan” of Rick Woo (Ross Butler), a wonder boy – or boy wonder, she is delighted he is part of the program. But Xavier Yeh (Nico Hiraga), another participant, also catches her eye.
Ever’s roommate Sophie Ha (Chelsea Zhang) is a fun loving gal and the impetus for Ever’s coming out of her shell. And while in Taipei, Ever catches up with her aunt Shu (Cindy Cheung), and artist who also encourages Ever to follow her heart.
The movie was filmed on location in Taipei with the beautiful city adding plenty of flavor to the story. It is a cute story about connecting to family culture and finding the courage to be oneself. The cast is entirely Asian with the one exception of Ever’s Ohio girlfriend who is only seen via FaceTime.
Besides the students being immersed in the culture, viewers also get plenty of the vibrant culture and appreciation. The one part that might be concerning is the fact that Ever often walks through the city alone at night, giving the impression that Taipei is completely safe, and indeed it has been touted as a fairly safe city, although still not 100 per cent safe. From the viewer’s standpoint, it looks to be a fun, exciting, and colorful city. And yes, there is an actual summer immersion program in Taipei known as “Loveboat.”
Love in Taipei is now streaming on Paramount+. It is rated PG-14.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA. Follow her on Twitter.