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Three Times (2006) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Three Times (2006) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2006 · 120 min · Chinese
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Directed by
Hsiao-hsien Hou

Three interconnected stories explore themes of love and longing across different periods. In 1966, a solitary soldier experiences a brief but intense connection at a pool hall. The year 1911 finds a Taiwanese courtesan navigating a difficult choice between romance and survival amidst Japanese occupation. Finally, in 2005, a singer grapples with a critical decision concerning her artistic inspiration and career ambitions, as these separate narratives subtly intertwine.

Drama Romance Cast, crew & box office
On this page (9)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (6)
  3. 3 Character relationship map
  4. 4 Where & when it takes place
  5. 5 Themes & meaning (3)
  6. 6 Character & meaning questions
  7. 7 Movie threads
  8. 8 Movies like Three Times
  9. 9 Every angle
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6 main characters · contains spoilers

Three Times Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Three Times (2006), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Chen

    Chen is a young soldier on leave, characterized by his youthful charm and romantic intrigue. He finds himself caught between duty and his growing affection for May, demonstrating his gentleness and longing for connection amidst the chaos of the times. His determination to stay close to May speaks to his deeper emotional resilience.

    • 💂 Soldier
    • ❤️ Romantic
    • 🌟 Determined

  • May

    May is a captivating figure in the lively pool hall, embodying the spirit of youthful optimism and curiosity. Her character reflects the struggles of yearning for meaningful connections, showcasing her emotional nuance as she navigates her feelings for Chen. As the story progresses, her journey reveals her deep desire for change and fulfillment.

    • 👧 Mesmerizing
    • 💖 Dreamer
    • 🎱 Enthusiast

  • Mr. Chang

    Mr. Chang is a principled writer and political dissident, marked by his strong convictions against the concubinage system. His deep affection for the courtesan represents a clash between personal desires and moral obligations, illustrating the complexities of love in times of oppression. His character stands as a beacon of hope for those yearning for freedom.

    • 📖 Writer
    • 💪 Idealist
    • 🎩 Resilient

  • Ah Mei

    Ah Mei is a courtesan who grapples with her reality within the confines of the brothel. Her character embodies the struggle for personal autonomy and the desire for a brighter future, yet also reflects the heartache of unfulfilled wishes. As she interacts with Mr. Chang, her silent longing adds depth to her portrayal.

    • 🌸 Resilient
    • 🎤 Singer
    • 💔 Yearning

  • Jing

    Jing is a club singer navigating the complexities of her romantic relationship with Zhen. Her character is marked by passion and creativity, pouring her emotions into her music while managing her condition. Jing's journey explores themes of intimacy and emotional vulnerability as she seeks fulfillment in both love and art.

    • 🎤 Singer
    • 💔 Vulnerable
    • 🎶 Creative

  • Zhen

    Zhen is a photographer whose relationship with Jing is fraught with jealousy and emotional tension. Capturing moments of intimacy through his lens, he encounters the challenges of love, rejection, and longing. His character highlights the complexities of modern relationships amidst the vibrant backdrop of Taipei.

    • 📷 Photographer
    • 💔 Jealous
    • 🎆 Romantic

Last updated: October 28, 2026 at 23:17

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7 characters · 8 connections · contains spoilers

Three Times Character Relationship Map

Who is connected to whom in Three Times: family, love, friendships, rivalries and hidden ties, colour-coded. Pick a character to see their side of the story, or a connection to see what brings two characters together.

How much of the story to show
CChenMMayMCMr. ChangAMAh MeiJJingZZhenJGJing'sgirlfriend

Last updated: October 28, 2026 at 23:17

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Setting

Where and When Does Three Times Take Place?

The setting of Three Times (2006): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

1966, 1911, 2005

The narrative spans different time periods, starting in 1966 during the Cultural Revolution in mainland China, which introduces a sense of societal turmoil. It further shifts back to 1911, shedding light on the struggles of Taiwanese people under Japanese rule, followed by a glimpse of modern life in 2005, highlighting the evolution of personal relationships in a more liberated society.

Location

Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Huwei, Dadaocheng, Taipei

The movie traverses several significant cities in Taiwan, including Kaohsiung, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling culture, and Chiayi, which offers a nostalgic escape into the past. The story also explores the historical backdrop of Dadaocheng, marked by Japanese occupation, and culminates in the lively contemporary scene of Taipei, a hub of urban life and artistic expression.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🌄 Landscape
  • 🎭 Historical

Last updated: October 28, 2026 at 23:17

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3 major themes

Three Times Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Three Times (2006) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Love

    The film intricately weaves the theme of love through various relationships, each reflecting its complexities and consequences. From fleeting connections in pool halls to profound bonds in a brothel, the characters face the challenges of desire, heartbreak, and longing. Ultimately, love serves as both a refuge and a source of turmoil in their lives.

  • Identity

    Identity plays a crucial role in the characters' journeys, whether it’s the courtesan seeking freedom or the soldier grappling with his place in an ever-changing world. As they navigate their surroundings and relationships, they confront societal expectations and personal aspirations, leading to growth and transformation throughout the narrative.

  • Time

    The concept of time is pivotal in 'Three Times,' as it highlights how love and circumstances evolve over the years. The distinct eras presented in the film reveal how historical contexts shape personal experiences and relationships, emphasizing the continuity and change faced by individuals across generations.

Last updated: October 28, 2026 at 23:17

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Character & theme questions

Three Times Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Three Times (2006): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the 1966 story set?

The 1966 segment takes place in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, specifically at a pool hall where Chen, a young soldier on leave, encounters May. The setting reflects the vibrant nightlife and bustling culture of the city during that era.

  • kaohsiung
  • pool hall
  • taiwan
  • 1966
  • chen
  • may
Q2

Where does the 1911 story take place?

The 1911 narrative is set in Dadaocheng, a historic district in Taiwan that was under Japanese occupation at the time. This setting provides the backdrop for Ah Mei's story as a courtesan navigating the complex social realities of colonial Taiwan.

  • dadaocheng
  • 1911
  • japanese occupation
  • taiwan
  • courtesan
  • ah mei
Q3

Where is the 2005 story set?

The 2005 segment unfolds in Taipei, Taiwan's capital and a hub of urban life and artistic expression. This modern setting contrasts with the historical settings of the other two stories, reflecting the evolution of personal relationships in contemporary society.

  • taipei
  • 2005
  • taiwan
  • modern
  • jing
  • zhen
Q4

What time periods does the film cover?

Three Times spans three distinct eras: 1966, 1911, and 2005. Each period represents a different phase of Taiwanese history and society, allowing the film to explore how love and circumstances evolve across generations.

  • 1911
  • 1966
  • 2005
  • taiwan history
  • three eras
  • time periods
Q5

What is the historical context of the 1911 story?

The 1911 storyline is set during Japanese colonial rule in Taiwan. This period saw Taiwanese people grappling with foreign occupation, and the story of Ah Mei as a courtesan reflects the societal constraints and personal struggles of that era.

  • 1911
  • japanese rule
  • taiwan colonial period
  • ah mei
  • courtesan
Q6

What is the 1966 story's historical context?

The 1966 segment is set during the Cultural Revolution in mainland China, which introduces a sense of societal turmoil. This backdrop influences the emotional tension and urgency experienced by Chen as a soldier on leave.

  • cultural revolution
  • 1966
  • china
  • chen
  • soldier
  • political context
Q7

How does the film explore the theme of love?

Three Times intricately weaves love through various relationships, from fleeting connections in a pool hall to profound bonds in a brothel. Each story reflects the complexities of desire, heartbreak, and longing, showing love as both refuge and source of turmoil.

  • love
  • relationships
  • longing
  • desire
  • heartbreak
  • romance
Q8

How does the film explore identity?

Identity plays a crucial role as characters confront societal expectations and personal aspirations. The courtesan Ah Mei seeks freedom, while the soldier Chen grapples with his place in a changing world, and the writer Mr. Chang faces political dissidence, all leading to growth and transformation.

  • identity
  • freedom
  • society
  • courtesan
  • soldier
  • dissident
Q9

How does time function as a theme in the film?

Time is pivotal in Three Times, showing how love and circumstances evolve across different eras. The distinct time periods reveal how historical contexts shape personal experiences, emphasizing the continuity and change faced by individuals across generations.

  • time
  • generations
  • historical context
  • change
  • continuity
  • memories
Q10

Who is Chen in the 1966 story?

Chen is a young soldier on leave who embodies youthful charm and romantic intrigue. He experiences a brief but intense connection with May at a pool hall in Kaohsiung, demonstrating his gentleness and longing for connection amidst the chaos of his duties.

  • chen
  • soldier
  • 1966
  • may
  • pool hall
  • kaohsiung
Q11

Who is Ah Mei and what is her role?

Ah Mei is a courtesan in the 1911 storyline who grapples with her reality within the confines of a brothel. Her character embodies the struggle for personal autonomy and desire for a brighter future, while her interactions with Mr. Chang reveal her silent longing and emotional depth.

  • ah mei
  • courtesan
  • 1911
  • mr chang
  • brothel
  • autonomy
Q12

How are the three stories connected?

Although set in different time periods, the three narratives are thematically linked through shared exploration of love, longing, and human connection. Each story features characters facing romantic challenges influenced by their historical context, creating subtle parallels between the eras.

  • three stories
  • thematic connection
  • parallel narratives
  • 1966
  • 1911
  • 2005
Q13

What defines the modern relationship in 2005?

The 2005 story follows Jing, a club singer, and Zhen, a photographer, navigating romance in contemporary Taipei. Their relationship explores themes of intimacy, emotional vulnerability, and the challenges of creative partnerships, reflecting how relationships have evolved in modern society.

  • jing
  • zhen
  • taipei
  • 2005
  • singer
  • photographer
  • modern relationship
Q14

What are the main messages of Three Times?

The film conveys that love transcends time but is shaped by historical circumstances, that identity is forged through personal choices within societal constraints, and that time serves as both a barrier and a bridge between human connections across generations.

  • themes
  • messages
  • love
  • identity
  • time
  • meaning

Movie threads

More Movies Like Three Times, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Three Times tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies with Intertwined Love Stories Across Time Like Three Times

Intertwined romantic narratives that explore connection across different time periods. For viewers who enjoyed the episodic, romantic structure of Three Times, this collection features films that weave together multiple love stories set in different historical periods. Find similar movies that explore longing and connection across time, from poetic dramas to intricate historical romances.

  • romantic
  • melancholic
  • nostalgic
  • reflective
  • longing
  • atmospheric
  • Tone: bittersweet, melancholic, nostalgic
  • Pacing: slow, deliberate, reflective
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Films in this thread typically present two or more distinct love stories set in different eras, connected by overarching themes rather than direct plot causality. The narrative pattern emphasizes the universality of emotions like love, loss, and longing, showing how they manifest differently against various historical and social backdrops.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a specific narrative architecture that uses time as a central character. They create a reflective, comparative experience for the viewer, focusing on the bittersweet and often fragile nature of romance as it is shaped by its time.

Three Times movie poster

Three Times

2006
Universalove movie poster

Universalove

2008
Here movie poster

Here

2024
All The Days Before Tomorrow movie poster

All The Days Before Tomorrow

2007
Il Mare movie poster

Il Mare

2000
The Lake House movie poster

The Lake House

2006
I Am Love movie poster

I Am Love

2010
Daughters of the Dust movie poster

Daughters of the Dust

1991

Slow, Atmospheric Mood Pieces Similar to Three Times

Character-driven films where atmosphere and emotional tone take precedence over plot. If you liked the reflective, melancholic atmosphere of Three Times, this selection features movies with a similar poetic sensibility. Discover character-driven dramas where the pacing is slow, the tone is bittersweet, and the mood is as important as the story itself.

  • atmospheric
  • melancholic
  • contemplative
  • slow burn
  • reflective
  • poetic
  • Tone: melancholic, bittersweet, reflective
  • Pacing: slow, contemplative, atmospheric
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative journey in these films is often internal and emotional rather than driven by external events or high-stakes conflict. The focus is on creating a specific, immersive mood—often melancholic, nostalgic, or contemplative—through visual poetry, soundscapes, and nuanced character moments that unfold at a leisurely pace.

Why they belong together: These movies are united by their shared commitment to crafting a powerful, consistent atmosphere. They offer a meditative viewing experience where the feeling of the film—its bittersweet longing, its quiet loneliness—is the primary takeaway, making them perfect for thoughtful, reflective viewers.

Tale of Cinema movie poster

Tale of Cinema

2005
Heavy movie poster

Heavy

1996
The Girl from Trieste movie poster

The Girl from Trieste

1982
Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams movie poster

Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams

1973
In the Mood for Love movie poster

In the Mood for Love

2001
Introduction movie poster

Introduction

2022
Peony Pavilion movie poster

Peony Pavilion

2001
The Theme movie poster

The Theme

1979

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Movies Like Three Times

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Time of Love movie poster

Time of Love

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Three movie poster

Three

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Three Dates movie poster

Three Dates

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Love’s Lone Flower movie poster

Love’s Lone Flower

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Taipei Story movie poster

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3 Hearts movie poster

3 Hearts

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L-O-V-E. movie poster

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Every angle

Three Times (2006) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Three Times in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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