Before the Bright Day 南方時光 is a coming-of-age Taiwanese film which is set against the backdrop of the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis. It premiered on September 20, 2025 in the New Directors Competition at the 73rd San Sebastian International Film Festival. It was released in theatres on November 14, 2025 in Taiwan.
Chou, a sensitive teen craving independence, struggles as the 1996 Taiwan Strait crisis hits his family’s finances and worsens tensions at home. He secretly works at a billiard hall, forming a bond with gang leader Button, but faces setbacks like Button’s enlistment and peer conflicts. Caught by his father, their relationship worsens. At school, his crush Min leaves due to war fears, and pressure from a teacher deepens his uncertainty.
Before the Bright Day 南方時光 (theme song) – Summer Lei 雷光夏
Corner Café 
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