Is Love Begins Here Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1973)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Modern Cinema cinema, the 1973 release of Love Begins Here stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Discovering that she has terminal cancer with only months left to live, young music teacher Hsu Xiuya (Judy Ongg) leaves a comfortable career to pursue her dreams as a “teacher of love” at the remote and dilapidated Cixin [“The Heart of Mercy”] Orphanage. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema 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: "Discovering that she has terminal cancer with only months left to live, young music teacher Hsu Xiuya (Judy Ongg) leaves a comfortable career to pursue her dreams as a “teacher of love” at the remote and dilapidated Cixin [“The Heart of Mercy”] Orphanage. Life at first proves difficult but Xiuya wins the children’s hearts through her music, and transforms the Orphanage and its Headmaster with her patient and nurturing spirit, leaving behind an inspiring legacy of love. Love Begins Here has obvious allusions to Robert Wise’s Sound of Music (1965) via its characters, the lederhosen-inspired uniforms, a musical number channeling Liesl and Rolfe, and the picture-perfect mountain grassland shots - but the similarities end there. Ostensibly to enlighten and encourage the young generation of post-war Taiwan, the film also borrows from Richard Bach’s popular Jonathan Livingston Seagull (1970), a novel (and later film) of New Age philosophy of self-perfection and self-sacrifice."

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 presence of Judy Ongg provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Liu Chia-chang is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 85 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 Love Begins Here 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 Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 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, Love Begins Here explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1973 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Liu Chia-chang 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, Love Begins Here is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Judy Ongg or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Love Begins Here is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.