Lee Yun Chan’s Busan Competition Return with “To Be Ordinary”

Lee Yun Chan Returns to Feature Filmmaking

After more than two decades away from the big screen, Taiwanese auteur Lee Yun Chan re‑emerges with a new feature titled To Be Ordinary. The film has earned the distinction of being the only Taiwanese entry in competition at this year’s Busan International Film Festival, a milestone that highlights both the director’s enduring reputation and the growing global interest in Taiwanese cinema.

A Brief Look at Lee Yun Chan’s Career

Lee first attracted attention with her 2005 debut, The Shoe Fairy, a whimsical drama that earned critical praise for its delicate visual style and nuanced storytelling. Following that early success, she shifted her focus toward television, directing several acclaimed series before taking on the Disney+ original Women in Taipei. The series, based on a popular novel, explored contemporary urban life in Taiwan and demonstrated Lee’s skill in navigating both cinematic and episodic formats.

2005 – The Shoe Fairy (feature debut)
2018 – Directed episodes of Women in Taipei for Disney+
2024 – To Be Ordinary (Busan competition entry)

What “To Be Ordinary” Brings to the Festival

Set against the backdrop of everyday life in Taiwan, the film follows a middle‑aged teacher who confronts the quiet pressures of conformity. The narrative avoids melodrama, opting instead for a restrained, observational approach that mirrors the title’s invitation to find meaning in the mundane.

Critics have noted the film’s subtle cinematography, which captures the texture of urban neighborhoods without resorting to grandiose set pieces. Lee’s direction emphasizes natural lighting and long takes, allowing viewers to linger on ordinary moments that reveal deeper emotional currents.

Why the Film Stands Out at Busan

The Busan International Film Festival, founded in 1996, has become a premier venue for Asian cinema. Its competition section showcases works that push artistic boundaries while resonating with diverse audiences. To Be Ordinary fits this mandate by offering a contemplative perspective that contrasts with the festival’s more high‑octane selections.

According to the festival’s official program, the film was chosen for its “thoughtful examination of daily life and its ability to translate personal introspection into a universal language.” This endorsement underscores Lee’s reputation for crafting stories that are both locally rooted and globally accessible.

Context Within Taiwanese Cinema

Taiwan’s film industry has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with directors such as Ang Lee, Hou Hsiao‑Hsien, and Midi Z gaining international acclaim. Lee Yun Chan’s return adds a fresh voice to this vibrant landscape, especially as the industry seeks to balance commercial success with artistic integrity.

The Ministry of Culture in Taiwan has recently increased funding for independent filmmakers, a move that aims to nurture projects like To Be Ordinary. This support reflects a broader cultural policy that values storytelling as a means of preserving national identity while engaging with global audiences.

Key Themes Explored

Conformity versus individuality
The quiet heroism of everyday people
Intergenerational dialogue in modern Taiwan

These themes echo Lee’s earlier work, where she often highlighted characters on the margins of society, inviting viewers to reconsider what it means to live an “ordinary” life.

Reception and Anticipated Impact

Early screenings have generated buzz among festival-goers and critics alike. A review in Korean Film Council praised the film’s “patient pacing and emotional honesty,” noting that it offers a counterpoint to more sensational festival entries.

Industry observers predict that the film could open doors for Lee to secure co‑production deals in other Asian markets, given the increasing appetite for stories that blend cultural specificity with universal resonance.

Potential Awards and Recognition

While the competition at Busan is fierce, the film’s unique voice positions it as a contender for the New Currents Award, which honors emerging directors who demonstrate bold artistic vision. Even without a win, the exposure alone is likely to boost the film’s distribution prospects across streaming platforms and art‑house circuits.

Lee Yun Chan’s Vision for the Future

In a recent interview with The Taipei Times, Lee expressed a desire to continue exploring narratives that focus on the ordinary, stating that “everyday moments hold the power to reveal profound truths.” She also hinted at upcoming projects that may delve into Taiwan’s rural landscapes, suggesting a continued commitment to portraying diverse facets of Taiwanese life.

Lee’s return signals a renewed confidence in Taiwanese filmmakers who are willing to take creative risks. As the industry evolves, her work serves as a reminder that compelling stories can arise from the most familiar settings.

With To Be Ordinary now in the spotlight, audiences worldwide have an opportunity to experience a film that celebrates the quiet dignity of ordinary existence, guided by a director who has mastered the art of subtle storytelling.