Formula 17 (2005) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Bai suffers from a deep-seated fear of kissing rooted in a traumatic childhood experience. A fortune teller predicted that everything Bai loves would inevitably perish, which led him to avoid genuine emotional connections throughout his adult life. His therapy sessions reveal he has tried various methods to overcome this fear, including practicing on a mirror and a mannequin, but nothing worked until he met Tien.

Foreshadowing: Earlier therapy scenes show Bai struggling with basic intimacy exercises, establishing his fear before its full cause is revealed.

• bai
• fear of kissing
• intimacy
• therapy
• fortune teller
• childhood trauma

Bai disappears the morning after their intimate night because he fears the emotional consequences of their connection. His entire adult life has been built on avoiding lasting relationships due to the fortune teller's prophecy. When Jun later explains that Bai hoped there would be no misunderstanding about their encounter, it becomes clear Bai was trying to protect both himself and Tien from the pain he believes inevitably follows love.

Foreshadowing: Bai's pattern of short-lived romances is established early in the film, showing his inability to maintain emotional connections.

• bai disappears
• morning after
• misunderstanding
• fear of commitment

When Bai was a child, a fortune teller told him that everything he loves would inevitably perish. This traumatic prediction shaped his entire approach to relationships, leading him to pursue only fleeting physical encounters without emotional attachment. The prophecy explains why Bai became a notorious playboy and why he struggles to allow himself to love Tien genuinely.

Foreshadowing: Bai's reluctance to form deep connections and his pattern of short romances foreshadow this dark childhood memory.

• fortune teller
• prophecy
• childhood
• bai's past
• prediction

Despite explicitly stating he detests men who mishandle love, Tien finds himself inexplicably captivated by Bai's mysterious charm. This tension reflects Tien's own journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. His initial rejection of playboys represents his idealistic view of love, but his attraction to Bai shows he's learning that people are more complex than their reputations. The contrast between what Tien says he wants and who he actually falls for drives much of the film's romantic tension.

Foreshadowing: Tien's immediate fascination with Bai is established during their first meeting at the bar.

• tien
• attraction
• playboy
• contradiction
• romance

When Tien leaves after rejecting Bai's apology attempt, a reckless scooter nearly strikes him. Bai's quick intervention to save Tien becomes a turning point. The life-threatening moment forces both men to confront their feelings, with Bai realizing he cannot lose Tien and Tien seeing that Bai genuinely cares. This crisis breaks through their mutual fear and hesitation, leading to their heartfelt reconciliation.

Foreshadowing: Earlier moments of tension and near-missed connections build toward this pivotal rescue scene.

• scooter
• accident
• rescue
• reconciliation
• turning point

After learning from Jun that Bai had hoped for no misunderstanding about their intimate night, Tien feels used and hurt. He interprets Bai's disappearance and lack of communication as a sign that their encounter meant nothing to Bai. The message Tien leaves is his way of protecting himself from similar heartbreak, demonstrating his initial heartbreak from Kevin's similar proposal has left him wary of casual encounters.

Foreshadowing: Tien's earlier disappointment with Kevin establishes his sensitivity to feeling used.

• message
• trap
• misunderstanding
• tien's hurt
• rejection

Bai's business trip creates significant tension in their relationship. While away, he struggles with his feelings for Tien and the decision of whether to pursue a genuine connection despite his fears. The distance amplifies the uncertainty between them, and Bai's inability to address the situation during the trip contributes to the misunderstanding that follows. His friends later pressure him to reveal his true feelings upon his return.

Foreshadowing: The buildup to the trip shows Bai's internal conflict about his growing feelings for Tien.

• business trip
• distance
• unresolved feelings
• tension

Bai's therapy sessions throughout the film reveal his ongoing struggle with intimacy and emotional vulnerability. His therapist's suggestions, including practicing on a mirror and a mannequin, highlight how deeply his fear of kissing affects him. These sessions expose the gap between Bai's physical confidence as a playboy and his emotional inability to connect meaningfully. The therapy scenes provide crucial context for understanding why Bai behaves the way he does in relationships.

Foreshadowing: Early therapy scenes establish his fear before its root cause is revealed.

• therapy
• intimacy issues
• character development
• fear

Tien's deep hurt from Kevin's proposal stems from his expectation that their online friendship had developed into a genuine emotional bond. When Kevin suggests a physical encounter without emotional ties, it reveals to Tien that their connection meant something different to each of them. This initial heartbreak propels Tien into Taipei's nightlife and ultimately leads him to Bai, making Kevin's proposal the catalyst for Tien's entire journey.

Foreshadowing: Tien's hopeful arrival in Taipei to meet Kevin establishes his romantic expectations.

• kevin
• online friend
• heartbreak
• proposal
• tien's hurt

The final scene featuring Yu, CC, and Alan discussing gay fashion serves as a tonal palette cleanser after the emotional journey of Tien and Bai's relationship. It reinforces the film's light, whimsical tone and provides a humorous contrast to the serious moments of fear, heartbreak, and reconciliation. The scene also celebrates gay culture and identity in a positive, laughing matter, fitting the film's overall hopeful and affirming message about love and self-acceptance.

Foreshadowing: Earlier comedic moments with Yu and CC establish the film's balanced approach to humor and emotion.

• fashion scene
• comedy
• ending
• yu
• cc
• alan
• tonal balance