Is Fly, Kite Fly Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Fly, Kite Fly represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Documentary category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The black kite, generally referred to as “the eagle” in Taiwan, used to be very widespread and so common that it is the main character in a well-known Taiwanese children’s game. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The black kite, generally referred to as “the eagle” in Taiwan, used to be very widespread and so common that it is the main character in a well-known Taiwanese children’s game. However, it has now become so rare that very few people ever get to see it. SHEN Zhen-zhong, better known as “Mr. Kite” who vowed to safeguard this endangered bird, is determined that he spent the best 20 years of his life traveling throughout Taiwan to find out why the black kite is disappearing. From 1992 to 2015, the film documentary maker LIANG Chieh-te followed Mr. Kite’s journey. Through his camera lenses, the story of how, one person can cross the species barrier and totally devote himself to a cause with no regrets because of love."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Wu Nien-jen is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Wu Nien-jen captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Chieh-Te Liang is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 78 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Fly, Kite Fly truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 10/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Fly, Kite Fly explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Chieh-Te Liang respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Fly, Kite Fly is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Wu Nien-jen or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Fly, Kite Fly is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.