Tigertail

Tigertail

Year: 2020

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Alan Yang

Drama

A young Taiwanese man, Pin-Jui, leaves his family and loved ones to pursue the promise of a better life in America. Decades later, as an older man in a strained marriage, he finds himself disconnected from his daughter and adrift, longing for purpose. He is compelled to reflect on his choices and the sacrifices he made, ultimately seeking to reconcile with his past and rediscover the dreams he once held dear.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Tigertail (2020)

Trace every key event in Tigertail (2020) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Pin-Jui's Early Memories

The story unfolds with Pin-Jui reflecting on his childhood marked by loneliness. His vivid imaginations of family become a solace as he grapples with his grandmother's stern advice to suppress his true feelings.

2

Meeting Yuan

In his rural upbringing, a chance encounter with Yuan brings joy into Pin-Jui's life. Their laughter and shared playfulness create a bond that momentarily shields them from the harsh societal realities surrounding them.

3

Growing Longing for Yuan

As time passes, Pin-Jui's yearning for Yuan deepens despite knowing the challenges their love faces. They share a memorable dinner at a fancy restaurant, where their laughter momentarily frees them from their respective burdens.

Fancy Restaurant
4

Adulthood Challenges

Transitioning into adulthood, Pin-Jui finds himself balancing his commitment to Yuan with burgeoning responsibilities. He works at a factory alongside his mother, while also navigating unwanted attention from his boss's daughter, Zhenzhen.

Factory
5

Emotional Quagmire

As Pin-Jui deals with conflicting emotions between his love for Yuan and his obligations, he finds solace in quiet moments with his mother, Minghua. The storm of responsibilities and affection begins to weigh heavily on him.

Modest Apartment
6

Injury and Aspiration

When Minghua suffers an injury, Pin-Jui urges her to leave her unfulfilling job. This conversation becomes a pivotal moment, leading him to pursue a daring opportunity for a better life in America with a deal with Li.

7

Arrival in America

Upon arriving in the United States, Pin-Jui and Zhenzhen face the harsh realities of their new lives. Pin-Jui takes on menial tasks at a grocery store, while Zhenzhen experiences overwhelming loneliness due to their cultural distance.

Grocery Store
8

Minghua's Reluctance

Pin-Jui attempts to invite his mother Minghua to America, yet she hesitates due to fears surrounding language barriers and the prospect of starting anew. Her decision highlights the tension inherent in immigration.

9

Stagnation in Marriage

As the years pass, Pin-Jui and Zhenzhen build a life and have children, yet their marriage begins to stagnate. Pin-Jui's emotional detachment and Zhenzhen's dissatisfaction reinforce a sense of isolation in their relationship.

10

Zhenzhen's Decision

When Zhenzhen announces her desire for a divorce, it shocks Pin-Jui and underscores the collapse of their union. This moment serves as a catalyst for them to confront the realities of their disconnection.

11

Angela's Engagement

As Pin-Jui's daughter Angela prepares for her engagement to Eric, underlying tensions between the couple arise. They struggle to align their differing views on love and stability, which affects their relationship profoundly.

12

Angela's Vulnerability

During a heartfelt moment, Angela confides her feelings about Eric to her father, Pin-Jui. His unsettling silence reveals a lack of emotional connection that causes her to reconsider their relationship.

13

Reconnecting with Yuan

In a moment of introspection, Pin-Jui reaches out to Yuan via Facebook, sparking a rekindled connection. Their in-person reunion serves as a significant moment for both to reflect on their past and emotional struggles.

14

Chinese New Year Celebration

During the Chinese New Year, Angela celebrates family traditions while grappling with the absence of Eric. This joyful celebration juxtaposes her personal struggles, emphasizing the weight of expectations and loneliness.

15

Journey to Taiwan

Pin-Jui takes Angela on a trip to Taiwan, unearthing tales from his past. This journey reveals the emotional struggles he faced, blending love and sorrow, ultimately leading to greater understanding and connection.

Taiwan

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 07:40

Unlock the Full Story of Tigertail

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Tigertail Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Tigertail, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Tigertail Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tigertail

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Tigertail. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Tigertail

Tigertail Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Tigertail? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Tigertail Ending Explained

More About Tigertail

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More About Tigertail

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