Joyful Reunion (2012 Film)

Joyful Reunion, also known by its alternative title Eat Drink Man Woman II (Chinese: 饮食男女2012), is a 2012 drama film co-produced by Taiwan and China. Directed by Jui-Yuan Tsao, the film features a screenplay written by Shih-chieh Chen, Hsu Wei-ching, Yanzi Zhou, and Li-Kong Hsu.

Production and Release

The film was produced by Li-Kong Hsu, Yeh Jufeng, and Nina Han, with cinematography handled by Ting-chang Chin. Joyful Reunion had its world premiere on February 16, 2012, at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival within the Culinary Cinema section. It was subsequently released in theaters on March 23, 2012, in Taiwan, and on March 29, 2012, in China. The feature has a runtime of 107 minutes and is spoken in Mandarin.

Plot

The story follows Wa’er, a health resort manager whose father operates a prominent vegetarian restaurant in Hangzhou, and her boyfriend Zhang Quan, a Taipei-based computer game designer. Zhang Quan's aunt, Apple, who raised him, struggles with alcohol and loneliness. To help her, Zhang Quan brings her to Hangzhou, initiating a series of events that strain his relationship with Wa’er. Concurrently, Wa'er's father faces a secret illness and plans to close his restaurant, prompting Wa'er and her sister Xiao Lan to intervene. Ultimately, connections across generations are restored through the restaurant, and Apple uncovers a secret kept for over fifty years.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Siyan Huo, Lan Ching Lung, Ah Lei Gua, Kenneth Tsang, Chang Hsiao-Chuan, Xuan Huang, Mengjie Jiang, Qin Li, and Yang Yang.

Film Festivals

Following its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, Joyful Reunion was screened at the 4th Okinawa International Movie Festival in March 2012 within the Peace Category, serving as its Asia Premiere. It was later featured at the 14th Mumbai Film Festival in October 2012 under the Celebrate Age section.