The River (1997 Film)

The River (Chinese: 河流; pinyin: Héliú) is a 1997 Taiwanese drama film directed by Tsai Ming-liang. The film explores the lives of a dysfunctional family living in Taipei, focusing on the emotional distance and lack of communication between a young man named Xiao-kang and his parents.

The narrative centers on Xiao-kang, a man in his early 20s, and his strained relationship with his father and mother. The film is noted for its minimalist dialogue and its examination of urban alienation.