Cannot Live Without You
Cannot Live Without You (Chinese: 不能没有你) is a 2009 Taiwanese film directed by Leon Dai, a professional Taiwanese actor. It was his second film as a director. This film was also selected as the official entry for 82nd Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. Dai also acted as the co-screenwriter and editor of the film.
| Cannot Live Without You | |
|---|---|
 Taiwan movie poster | |
| Directed by | Leon Dai |
| Produced by | Akira Chen |
| Written by | Leon Dai Akira Chen |
| Starring | Chao Yo Hsuan Akira Chen Lin Chih-Ju |
| Cinematography | Chang Hsiang-yu Chou Yi-wen |
| Edited by | Leon Dai |
Release date |
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Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | Taiwan |
| Language | Hakka, Taiwanese, Mandarin |
Cannot Live Without You was filmed entirely in black and white in digital format, then transferred to film for distribution. The film has a somewhat unconventional structure, beginning at the halfway point. It is based on a true story.
Plot
The story concerns a poor Hakka dock worker Li Wu Hsiung fighting to reclaim the custody of his seven-year-old girl. Unsuccessful and clinging to the faithful daughter, he threatens to jump off a bridge.
As the film progresses, Li (played by the movie's co-screenwriter and first-time actor Akira Chen) gets embroiled in bureaucratic red tape and does all he can to get his daughter back from government institutional care.
Awards and nominations
- Won: Best Film[1][2]
- Won: Best Director (Leon Dai)[2]
- Won: Best Original Screenplay (Leon Dai and Akira Chen)[2]
- Won: The Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year[2]
- Nominated: Best Actor (Akira Chen)
- Nominated: Best New Performer (Akira Chen)
- Nominated: Best Art Direction (HuaTa-Hua)
- Nominated: Best Editing (Leon Dai)
- Won: Best Director (Leon Dai)
- Won: Best cinematography (Chang Hsiang-yi)
Macau International Movie Festival
- Won: Best Film
International Film Festival of India
- Won: Best Film
Durban International Film Festival
- Won: Best Feature Film
Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema
- Won: Best Film
References
- "Taiwanese tear-jerker wins Golden Horse award". BBC News. 30 November 2009. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- "Golden Horse Awards 2009 - Winners". Alt Film Guide.