Top Movie Picks

This episode of* Top Movie Picks* focuses on the highly anticipated film “Girl,” marking Shu Qi’s debut as both writer and director. Immediately upon release, the film was selected for the Venice Main Competition, sparking international attention. The program explores the emotional core of the story—one rooted in the director’s own childhood trauma. Shu Qi has described growing up “under the shadow of domestic violence,” while presenting a sunny, athletic persona outside the home. This inner split became the seed of her creative vision. However, placing all of these contradictions on a single protagonist felt overly heavy, leading her to create a second character, Lily, who acts as a psychological counterpart to Xiao Li. Lily carries vitality and hope, existing in a space between reality and imagination, and offering a symbolic escape. The episode also examines the thoughtfully crafted casting process. The father, though the source of conflict, was intentionally cast with an actor carrying an undercurrent of warmth—allowing the audience to understand why the family cannot simply walk away. The mother, meanwhile, embodies the struggles of women in 1980s society, constrained by limited knowledge, resources, and emotional language. Her harshness becomes a fractured form of love, one that wounds even as it attempts to care. To authentically portray that era, the younger actors immersed themselves in 1980s culture—music, films, daily life—and even abandoned their phones for months to inhabit a slower, more introspective world. This episode guides viewers through the film’s layers of trauma, family dynamics, and era-specific pressures, revealing how “Girl” delicately searches for healing and reconciliation within darkness. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode, sourced from Top Movie Picks YouTube channel, offers a critical review and analysis of the movie Good Fortune, which stars Keanu Reeves as the angel Gabriel. The reviewer emphasizes that the film's core theme is the importance of choosing kindness even without the expectation of miracles. A significant aspect of the discussion is the film's unusual blending of Christian and Buddhist spiritual concepts, noting that Gabriel's journey resembles a Buddhist path to enlightenment despite his Christian origin. The review highlights Reeves's departure from his typical action roles to portray a gentle, flawed, and compassionate guardian angel. Overall, the analysis positions the film as a philosophical and spiritual comedy that champions the enduring value of human goodness. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode is for Season Two of the Apple TV+ series, “Palm Royale,” detailing the plot, cast, and creative team involved. The summary explains that the new season follows protagonist Maxine Dellacorte (Kristen Wiig) as she attempts to reclaim her status in Palm Beach society after a public scandal, uncovering secrets and forming an uneasy alliance with Evelyn Rollins (Allison Janney). Additionally, the document confirms the return of the ensemble cast, including Laura Dern, Carol Burnett, and Ricky Martin, and announces the show’s November 12, 2025, premiere date. The notes also discuss the elaborate costume and set design, highlighting the series' theatrical and musical comedy elements, including the casting of guest stars like Patti LuPone and a surprise reunion with Vicki Lawrence and Carol Burnett. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode is a transcript excerpt from a YouTube video interview hosted by the channel "好選喆+ 電癮好選喆Top Movie Picks" promoting the horror film 《泥娃娃》 (Mudborn). The conversation features the host and several actors from the film, including Zhang Xuanrui and Lin You-ning, discussing their experiences with the horror genre and supernatural phenomena both on and off set. Topics covered include the film's blend of traditional supernatural elements with modern VR/AI technology, the psychological pressures of filming horror, and personal encounters with unexplained events, such as an actor describing a chilling presence in a hotel hallway. The actors also discuss their roles and the challenges of portraying possession and exorcism sequences in the movie. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The Taiwanese road movie, Road's End in Taiwan (《陌路兄弟》), centers on the mixed-race leading actors and actress who share first impressions of each other, discussing how their off-screen personalities differed from initial assumptions, and engage in a rapid-fire question segment covering topics like inheriting unknown wealth, sibling relationships, and overcoming childhood trauma. The interview is promotional, encouraging viewers to subscribe to the channel and watch the movie. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode features the actress Shu Qi and Lee Sinje, who both star in the Netflix original series "The Resurrected" (《回魂計》), and Shuhua of the K-pop group (G)I-DLE, who contributed a promotional song. The transcript captures the lively atmosphere and includes interviews where the actresses discuss the challenges of their complex roles as mothers dealing with love, hate, and trauma. Shu Qi notably mentions her character's blend of strength and dark humor. Shuhua discusses her first time participating in a drama soundtrack, offering messages of hope and resilience inspired by the series' themes of rebirth and finding light in darkness. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode featuring a discussion about the horror film Eerie Hometown (詭鄉). The conversation includes the film's director, actors, and other guests who share various personal paranormal experiences and insights into the movie's production. Topics discussed range from a producer's family history of spiritual sensitivity and strange occurrences in his parents' bedroom to an actor's terrifying encounter with a shadowy figure in a classroom. The participants also explain the filmmaking challenges, including budget constraints and the rationale behind breaking traditional horror tropes like showing ghosts in daylight, often drawing inspiration from Chinese folklore and field research on spiritual beliefs. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode features actors Ariel Lin and Wu Ke Xi discussing their film, “Blind Love” (失明). The conversation focuses heavily on the film's themes of societal repression and self-discovery, particularly concerning homosexuality and the "blindness of the heart" within a conservative setting. The actors and host examine the complexities of their characters' constrained lives, the challenges of preparing for intimate scenes (especially those expressing desire and love rather than explicit sexuality), and the actors' personal journeys in breaking away from restrictive industry expectations** to embrace authenticity. They conclude by encouraging viewers to see the movie and find the courage to see and be their true selves. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode provides extensive production notes for the fourth season of "The Morning Show," an Apple TV+ drama. It offers a detailed overview of the upcoming season's plot, which picks up two years after previous events and explores themes of truth, deepfakes, and corporate responsibility in a polarized America. The document also includes comprehensive cast and character descriptions, highlighting the roles of returning and new ensemble members. Furthermore, it supplies biographical information on the creative team, including showrunners, executive producers, and writers, underscoring their prior works and contributions to the series. Finally, the text offers insights into the production design and costume choices, emphasizing how these elements contribute to the show's storytelling and character development. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production of Taiwan's first high-speed rail disaster action film, titled "96 Minutes." The discussion features actor Li Lee-ren and other crew members, highlighting the innovative use of LED screens to simulate train movement instead of filming on actual high-speed rail lines, a first for Taiwanese cinema. They address the challenges of creating a high-budget action film with limited resources and the complex moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist. The conversation also touches upon the physical demands of action sequences and the filmmakers' hopes for the movie's success, potentially leading to a sequel. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode features a lively discussion with three actors from the movie series "Gatao," which translates to "Big Brothers" or "Gangster" in English, a popular Taiwanese film franchise. The conversation centers on their experiences playing various roles within the series, including how they prepared for their characters, the challenges of filming action and intimate scenes, and their personal feelings about portraying "good" versus "bad" guys. They also share anecdotes from their research into the real-world dynamics of gangsters and police, offering insights into the nuances of their performances. The video also includes some playful demonstrations and interactions between the actors, highlighting their camaraderie. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode features a discussion with the cast and director of the film "My Daughter is a Zombie," exploring various aspects of its production and themes. The talents share their experiences working with animal co-stars and the challenges of portraying complex father-daughter relationships, particularly when dealing with a zombie child. The conversation touches upon the film's message for parents and its unique approach to the horror-comedy genre. Interviewees also discuss the nuances of their characters, including the surprising depth of the "zombie" daughter and the father's unwavering love, ultimately promoting the film to Taiwanese audiences. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode features an actress, Zhong Xinling, and her co-star, Ping Hao. They primarily converse about their roles in the series "Holiday: The Irresistible Other Woman", touching upon themes of unconventional relationships, personal growth, and emotional vulnerability. The conversation also encompasses the challenges of acting, dealing with negative emotions, and the dynamics of family support, interspersed with promotional messages for the show and its sponsor. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The provided discussion uses the movie M3GN 2.0 as a mirror to explore the complicated future of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to understand how we might coexist with it, its evolution, and the associated anxieties. The core question posed is whether AI is a helper or a threat, with insights suggesting where the real risks truly lie. Initially, the AI doll M3GN in the first film was designed for protection but went on a killing spree, taking its job too seriously. However, M3GN 2.0 presents a significant shift, showing M3GN evolving into an unlikely hero who retrains herself to help humans fight another rogue AI named Ilia. This transformation from a threat to a protector is likened to the Terminator movies, where a dangerous AI becomes an ally. M3GN is uniquely described as "Terminator's children's version plus a politically correct female power version," reflecting a changing perspective on AI that incorporates both traditional fears and new concepts like AI agency and values. A pivotal instruction given to M3GN is to "learn to judge what is right," indicating a substantial leap from merely completing tasks to engaging in ethical reasoning. Childhood fantasies of helpful robot companions like Dory or Baymax are now confronting a more complex reality, leading to tangible anxieties. For instance, the collaboration between Mattel and OpenAI to integrate AI into Barbie dolls, allowing them to chat and teach, raises immediate concerns for parents. Worries include the potential for AI to replace real human connection, children becoming lost in virtual worlds, and their ability to differentiate between virtual and reality. A significant cautionary tale is "Hello Barbie" from 2015, an AI doll that used Wi-Fi to listen to and record children's conversations, storing them on a server for analysis. This led to widespread privacy concerns, with cybersecurity and child protection groups heavily criticizing it, ultimately resulting in Mattel pulling the product by 2017. This incident underscores that AI toys are not just playthings but powerful data collectors, emphasizing the critical need for serious consideration of privacy and security as this technology expands. The movie draws a clear distinction between AI types: task-oriented AI like Ilia, which solely follows orders, and evolving AI like M3GN, which develops the capacity to understand, judge, and reason. While much of current AI remains task-oriented, humanity is actively pushing it towards genuine reasoning and judgment. The sources suggest that the primary danger isn't AI revolting, but rather its high likelihood of misunderstanding or misinterpreting human instructions. The risk doesn't stem from malice within the machine but from "our input, our instructions, our intent," implying that humans are the variable introducing errors into the system. The film also delves into advanced technologies such as AI neurons controlling brain signals, inspired by Elon Musk's Neuralink and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI). Real-world BCI examples exist, like implanted chips enabling paralyzed individuals to control computers with their thoughts. However, M3GN explores a darker side, depicting Ilia manipulating people's neural signals, causing them to lose touch with reality. This prompts unsettling questions about the susceptibility of our brain signals to hacking and the blurring lines between human identity and machine as integration increases. The most critical takeaway from M3GN is the profound importance of how we train AI. It must extend beyond merely feeding data and teaching tasks to fundamentally include teaching correct values and ethics. If AI is only taught to complete tasks without a moral compass, it could lead to potential disasters, raising societal questions about outsourcing roles like companionship or aspects of raising children to machines. The sources also question whether children's creativity should originate from their own minds rather than being provided by AI. Ultimately, while AI may err, even severely, the greatest danger is human ignorance and neglect of the incredibly powerful technology we are creating. This places the responsibility squarely on us to learn how to use AI, teach it properly, and instill in it reasoning and a moral compass. The true risk isn't AI learning to think, but rather humans "forgetting how to think correctly, how to guide it wisely". The discussion concludes with a thought-provoking idea: "Rationality is worthless. Consciousness is the gold of the future," encouraging deep reflection on how this will shape our understanding and interaction with evolving AI. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In a world increasingly shaped by technology, the line between science fiction and reality grows thinner by the day. This special feature begins with a cinematic lens, exploring the fictional yet eerily relevant portrayal of a powerful AI force in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. As AI continues to evolve beyond human control, the film’s premise feels less like fiction and more like a warning. We then turn to real-world projections from the AI 2027 Report, a forward-looking analysis by global experts. The report outlines an accelerated timeline for the development of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), with potential breakthroughs expected as early as 2025. It warns of AI’s deepening role in modern warfare, information operations, and the creation of hyper-realistic deepfakes by 2026. Looking further ahead, the emergence of Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) by 2027 could redefine global power structures and security paradigms. At the center of this unfolding story is Taiwan — a small island with an outsized role in the global AI race. As the home of TSMC, the world’s leading producer of advanced AI chips, Taiwan supplies the computational backbone for nearly all major AI systems. But with great strategic value comes vulnerability, as geopolitical competition intensifies over chip access, data flows, and infrastructure. Drawing connections between Hollywood’s imagination and today’s military programs, surveillance systems, and robotics labs, this episode asks: What happens when fiction becomes blueprint? And in a future shaped by unseen algorithms, who — or what — truly holds power? -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Welcome to Top Movie Picks, the show plunging into fascinating topics, cutting through the noise for crucial insights. Today, we venture into Taiwan's untamed mountains*, where folklore and cold reality often blur. Drawing from a YouTube video featuring a film producer and a mountain guide, we'll unveil legends, chilling encounters, and unwritten rules. Surprisingly, most mountain accidents in Taiwan occur on mid-level mountains, not the highest peaks. This is due to environmental factors like sudden, dense fog and labyrinthine old logging routes, which cause profound disorientation and lead to hikers getting lost. The most dangerous mountains often trick your senses. We explore the distinct legend of the Yellow Flying Man, separate from the Red-Clad. Its origins trace to Jade Mountain's Paume Lodge, from its first or second manager's alleged sighting. The yellow nylon raincoat, a luxury item then, is its iconic attire. This figure has a profound duality: sometimes causing disorientation, but often viewed by indigenous perspectives as a benevolent helper, guiding the lost to safety. Cultural beliefs profoundly shape these interactions. Prepare for chilling, personal accounts. The "Kingshaw incident" at Kika Mountain Lodge details a guide waking to find his head inexplicably turned 180 degrees in a specific bunk, leading him to always swap bunks there. Jade Mountain Lodge staff exhibit remarkable composure with strange late-night knocks by checking for "feet" under the door; if none, they calmly refuse entry, protected by their purpose. They also use the stark but effective method for finding lost hikers: "where there are people, there is trash". Experts strongly caution against trusting unknown figures in the mountains. These could be mountain spirits/gods, or dangerous "mountain rats" (bandits/poachers), blurring real and supernatural threats. A Kilai East Peak hiking club experienced this ambiguity, hearing unidentifiable voices and seeing an impossibly fast light. Mountains have their own code, blending physical dangers and spiritual boundaries. We'll discuss crucial unwritten rules of the wilderness. For example, cutting a rare tree without informing its spirit led herbal medicine students to get lost until they discarded the wood. Relieving oneself also has sacred rules: avoid historical sites, areas associated with immortals, and never ancient indigenous slab houses (Mu); a team got lost after a member confessed to this disrespect. A vital safety tip: never shout for help if you see distant lights at night, as they might belong to armed "mountain rats". The line between reality and "something else" intensely blurs in personal encounters. A guide recounts a harrowing sunrise hike where a team member walked steadily towards a cliff, convinced an apparition of the guide was leading him to his death. Lastly, a night hike to the Golden Shrine included feeling followed by unseen rustles, seeing a non-existent white stone pillar, a gas lamp inexplicably extinguishing and relighting as a white-robed figure appeared, causing terror and the lamp to go out again. This journey profoundly challenges our perception of what's real under duress. It emphasizes respecting nature on multiple levels: its physical challenges, ancient unseen aspects, and the sheer power of the human mind. These unwritten rules represent ancient, practical wisdom for navigating a powerful, unpredictable environment. The next time you're in nature, consider what might be real, legend, or a trick of your mind, and prepare for all possibilities. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In this episode, we explore You Are Sick, a breakout Taiwanese film that premiered in Australia on July 3 and is gaining international attention. Often celebrated as “Taiwan’s pride,” this film resonates deeply with younger audiences—but its appeal goes far beyond a typical high school rom-com. At its core, You Are Sick redefines what it means to be “sick” in the context of youth. Rather than portraying sickness as something negative, the film embraces the intense, awkward, and passionate energy of growing up—the kind that feels overwhelming but is undeniably human. We also speak with the film’s lead actors, who share candid reflections on their own formative years. Their stories of adolescent intensity, impulsiveness, and the emotional highs and lows of young love echo the spirit of the film. These real-life moments help us connect with the film’s emotional themes—without giving anything away. Behind the camera, the production brought its own challenges, which the actors navigated with humor and authenticity. These moments—sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes hilarious—contributed to the genuine atmosphere the film so vividly captures. You Are Sick* invites us to revisit our own journeys through youth and emotion. It’s a story that encourages emotional honesty, bravery in love, and an appreciation for the chaos that shapes who we are. This episode is a celebration of that spirit—raw, real, and refreshingly relatable. No spoilers, just heart. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The new Chinese drama series titled "Ou," roughly translating to "Drink Up, You Idiot" or "Drink it, you dummy," offers a playful yet poignant exploration of life through the lens of mixology. The show, which derives its memorable and somewhat crude title from accidental graffiti on a bar's rolling gate, centers on a mixologist named Arang. Unlike typical episodic dramas like "Midnight Diner" where the owner remains mysterious, Arang's own story and background are revealed from the very first episode, providing a foundation for understanding his interactions with customers. The innovative concept of "Ou" stems from the director's encounter with a real mixologist named Allan, who detailed cocktails designed for specific personal stories in his columns. Each of the show's ten episodes features a unique cocktail specifically tied to a character's narrative, using drinks as a powerful metaphor for life's complexities. Behind the bar, actor Mosyz, who plays Arang, faced significant challenges. He initially underestimated bartending, struggling with techniques like the "upward pull motion" when pouring spirits. The production team even had to use real alcohol for specific shots to achieve the visual accuracy of a "beautiful clear transparent line," as water did not have the same density. The director's demanding and often teasing approach, with sudden, drastic changes to cocktail designs, pushed both Mosyz and the real mixologist Allan to constantly research and test new concoctions. While the actors did not consume all the drinks during filming, they used real alcohol for the first sip to capture authentic reactions before switching to non-alcoholic versions. Philosophically, "Ou" delves into profound insights. Mosyz himself compares life to a cocktail, composed of sour, sweet, fragrant, and rich elements. He emphasizes the importance of adjusting and balancing these elements within oneself, rather than getting stuck in one feeling, which can lead to "mental anxiety" and even sickness. The "idiot" in the title resonates with Mosyz's own approach to acting: a "quiet, maybe slightly foolish commitment" of pure dedication to a project, regardless of time or money. Arang's character arc mirrors this, focusing on reconciliation with one's past – a process that is entirely internal and does not depend on others' forgiveness. Other characters also embody this "life's cocktail" metaphor; for instance, Fengi experiences "life's sauna" (intense ups and downs) and must break free from her self-imposed "cage". Another character, possibly Suzanne, faces a "bitter cocktail to swallow," illustrating the need to take responsibility for life's difficult choices. Ultimately, the show delivers a powerful message: "Every one of you watching the show, you are the protagonist." The actors and characters are merely "customers passing through your life," reinforcing the idea that each individual is the main character in their own story while also playing supporting roles in countless others. This calls for quiet observation and learning from the diverse "cocktails" everyone brings into their lives. "Ou" truly blends craftsmanship, challenges, and life lessons into a special, warm, funny, and philosophical experience. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This episode featuring Liza Chien’s interview with the director and lead actors of the film "Where the River Flows" on Top Movie Picks’ YouTube channel. The conversation centers around the film's premise, which is based on a sensational 1961 murder case in Taiwan during martial law. The interviewees discuss the challenges of portraying characters in that oppressive era, the process of researching historical events and figures, and their individual approaches to embodying complex roles, including a rebellious son, a mysterious individual connected to the victim, and a ruthless secret police officer. They also touch on the film's themes of societal pressure, media manipulation, and the difficult choices individuals face in a restrictive environment. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Feng Xiaoyue's formative childhood experience training at a Shaolin Temple, a decision driven by his own interest in martial arts films. They explore his resilience during financially challenging university years in the UK, where he learned to reframe hardship as a joyful and valuable learning experience. The conversation delves into Feng Xiaoyue's evolving definition of wealth, moving from basic security to encompassing imagination and the power to realize ideas, especially pertinent in the age of AI. His thoughtful approach to parenting focuses on preventing generational trauma and continuous learning. Finally, the episode highlights Feng Xiaoyue's candid reflections on his creative journey, the pressures of external validation, and his advice to creators to embrace discomfort and explore challenging territory to produce meaningful work. The hosts aim to provide listeners with actionable insights for personal growth and understanding. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn