[Film] Old Fox

Watched on: 04/14/2024

Reviewed on: 04/14/2024

Director: Xiao Yachuan

I really like the tone and narrative of this movie -- gentle, yet charming.

The poster features only three people, three faces. The largest face is that of the Old Fox, facing to the right. He opts to conform to the survival of the fittest rules of the era, becoming someone who controls the fates of others, and he attempts to groom Liao Jie as his successor. The Old Fox starts teaching the kid some pretty tough lessons about how to get ahead, even if it means playing dirty. Next is Liao Jie's father, Liao Tai-lai, facing left. He becomes the opposite type of person to the Old Fox, living quietly on the fringes, yet still caring about the feelings of others. He is dignified and elegant. Liao Tai-lai, this dedicated single dad who works as a restaurant headwaiter. His life contrasts sharply with the crazy stock market scene in Taiwan back then—where everyone was trying to make a quick buck. Liao's character is like a rock in the middle of a storm, sticking to his values when everyone else is losing their heads. And Liao Jie stands between the two, facing the audience, with the paths walked by the Old Fox and his father on either side of him, still having the opportunity to make his own choice.

I really like the dialogue between the Old Fox and the child in the car, where the child keeps insisting, "I am not you." The scene cleverly morphs the child's face into that of the Old Fox, and then the camera shifts to a past scene where his son said the same thing. This scene where the child's face morphs into that of the Old Fox during their conversation in the car is rich with symbolism. It visually represents the threat of the child adopting the Old Fox's dubious morals and losing his own identity. This transformation, coupled with a flashback to the Old Fox's son saying "I am not you," underscores the film's exploration of legacy and identity. It poignantly questions whether we are destined to repeat our predecessors' paths or if we can break free and forge our own. This visual technique effectively deepens the narrative, highlighting the internal conflicts and generational challenges the characters face.

Portrayed as cunning and wealthy, the Old Fox owns numerous properties yet remains solitary. He emerges with a mystical and enigmatic presence that may symbolize life's many temptations. This character reflects a common perception that power often comes without compassion, leading to a loss of empathy. However, "The Old Fox" avoids clear-cut moral judgments. As the narrative unfolds, we come to understand the complexities behind Mr. Xie’s transformation into the 'Old Fox.' The film skillfully explores these human complexities, presenting them in shades of gray that add depth and allure to the story.

I really like the ending of this movie -- The ending of the story revisits numerous details, such as the "dump" and the "school." In the end, just as depicted on the movie poster, Liao Jie is the child facing the center, with the Old Fox on the outside and his father's gentleness within.