Three Times

In the summer of 1966, amid the Cultural Revolution, young soldier Chen finds himself on leave in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It is here that he encounters May, a captivating pool hall waitress, setting the stage for a deep yet fragile connection.

Chen and May's first encounter unfolds through a riveting game of pool, where luck and skill intertwine. Their interaction is filled with stolen glances and tentative whispers, marking the beginning of their emotional journey.

As the night draws to a close, May prepares to lock up the pool hall, and Chen promises to write her a letter. This promise ignites a spark of hope within May, foreshadowing the emotional stakes of their growing relationship.

Months later, May finally receives the long-awaited letter filled with Chen's heartfelt affection. However, the passage of time starts to wear on her, leading her to feel restless and yearning for change in her life.

Seeking solace from her mundane life, May decides to return to Chiayi, a place filled with echoes of her past. Unbeknownst to her, Chen has been quietly following her, compelled to reconnect with the woman who has stolen his heart.

In a twist of fate, Chen and May reunite in Huwei, their connection rekindled amidst the familiar sounds of the pool hall. Their encounter at the train station is laden with unspoken emotions, echoing both anticipation and regret.

As the clouds gather, Chen takes May's hand, and they find refuge beneath an umbrella. This intimate moment solidifies their bond amidst the uncertainties that lie ahead, showcasing the depth of their shared experiences.

The narrative shifts back to 1911 during the Japanese occupation, introducing a courtesan in a brothel who yearns for personal freedom. Her dreams of escape intertwine with those of Mr. Chang, a political dissident whose adventurous tales captivate her imagination.

Despite his feelings for the courtesan, Mr. Chang refrains from offering her a life as his concubine. His disdain for the concubinage system and commitment to the political struggle against the Japanese binds him, creating tension between personal desires and societal responsibilities.

Mr. Chang's noble gesture of purchasing Ah Mei's freedom fosters a complicated emotional landscape. Gazing at him with longing, Ah Mei feels trapped by her reality, only to discover the weight of unreciprocated affection and aspirations.

Amid conflicts, Ah Mei begins to receive melodic lessons from a new courtesan, finding solace in music. This growth mirrors her emotional journey, particularly when she receives a poignant letter from Mr. Chang brimming with reflections on Taiwan's future.

The final act shifts to 2005 in Taipei, focusing on Jing, a club singer entangled in a romantic relationship with photographer Zhen. Their connection flourishes amid the vibrant nightlife, setting the stage for emotional complexities.

During a gripping performance, Zhen captures Jing's essence through his lens, sparking jealousy that disrupts their bond. Their relationship faces trials as Zhen confronts deep emotional turmoil and rejection from his own girlfriend.

Despite tensions, night brings intimacy between Jing and Zhen, culminating in shared vulnerability. However, the arrival of a chilling message from Jing's girlfriend complicates matters, leaving Jing grappling with intense emotions of guilt and confusion.

As Jing navigates her feelings, she channels her turmoil into lyrics for a new song, capturing her internal strife. The juxtaposition of platonic and romantic connections sets the stage for a poignant exploration of love and abandonment as they speed down the freeway.