Chinese title: 不能說的秘密

Director: Jay Chou

Origin and Release Year: Taiwan (2007)

Starring: Jay Chou, Gwei Lun-Mei, Anthony Wong, Alice Tzeng

Although the theatrics in the final half of the film was a bit much for me (they stretched beyond the amount of unrealistic things I was willing to tolerate), I have to appreciate the fantasy element to the storyline.

Secret tells what seems to be a typical romance between two students who are gifted and attending a school that hones their talents.

Director Jay Chou stars in the film himself as the lead character Lun. One of his huge charming points is his out-of-this-world piano skill. An iconic scene involves him getting in a piano battle and I have to say that it was breathtaking.

I found the romantic storyline typical of a 2000s romantic comedy. It involved a huge misunderstanding between the romantic leads, which led to a period of separation that they had to overcome (that’s putting it vaguely). It was much like every other romantic movie.

However, what makes this a great cinematic piece is the plot twist that is their reunion. It is something that you could not imagine. Lun stumbles across a photo that confuses him and makes him seek clarification. It leads to an epic conclusion.

Until now, I’ve wanted to keep this review spoiler-free, but carpe diem.

SEMI-SPOILER ALERT!!!

I had assumed that the conclusion would be surrounding mental health. I think if the movie was remade in current times, that would’ve been the motif of choice. However, they turned out to be in love across different timelines. Not often is time travel used as a plot twist and this element of it was brilliant.

What did you think of Secret?