The story of Au Revoir Taipei
Au Revoir Taipei follows Kai, a young man caught between two worlds—the daytime responsibility of working at his parents' noodle shop and the nighttime escape of studying French in a cramped bookstore. When his girlfriend abruptly ends their relationship via phone call from Paris, Kai makes an impulsive decision: he'll follow her across the world to win her back. But there's a catch. A local neighborhood mafia boss offers him a free plane ticket on one condition—that he smuggle a mysterious package to Paris. It's the kind of plot device that could easily collapse under its own absurdity, yet the film carries it off with genuine warmth and humor. What starts as a simple romantic pursuit becomes something messier, funnier, and ultimately more human.
Behind the making of Au Revoir Taipei
Au Revoir Taipei marked Arvin Chen's feature directorial debut, and it arrived with serious backing. The film was executive produced by Wim Wenders, the legendary German filmmaker behind Wings of Desire and Paris, Texas—a pedigree that immediately signaled this wasn't just another indie rom-com. The production involved a constellation of Taiwanese and international partners: Atom Cinema, Green Sky Films, Beta Film, the Taipei Film Commission, and the Pusan Promotion Plan, all working to bring Chen's vision to life. The 85-minute runtime keeps everything brisk and purposeful, never outstaying its welcome.
The film's success on its home turf was undeniable. It became a box office winner in Taiwan, proving that audiences there were hungry for a story that felt locally rooted yet internationally ambitious. That international appetite was validated at the 2010 Berlin International Film Festival, where Au Revoir Taipei won the NETPAC Award—recognition from the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema that underscored its appeal beyond Taiwan's borders. For a debut feature, that's the kind of validation most directors dream about. Jack Yao carries the film as Kai, bringing an everyman quality to a character who could easily have become a punchline in less capable hands.
What makes Au Revoir Taipei stand out
Here's the thing about romantic comedies: they live or die on whether you actually believe the central relationship matters. Au Revoir Taipei gets this right. What's striking is how the film doesn't treat Kai's pursuit as simply pathetic or noble—it's both, and neither, and something more complicated than either label captures. He's not a hero chasing his true love across continents; he's a confused guy making a reckless decision because he can't imagine his life without someone who's already moved on. That ambiguity is where the comedy lives, and also where the heartbreak lives.
The mafia subplot could've been a distraction, but instead it functions as a perfect comic pressure valve. The gangster boss isn't menacing; he's almost fatherly in his incompetence, and the package Kai carries becomes this running gag that never quite lands the way anyone expects. It's the kind of comedic structure that rewards rewatching—you'll catch jokes you missed the first time because you were too busy following the emotional through-line. Audience reviews on Movie OTT consistently highlight how the film manages to be both light and genuinely touching, never sacrificing one for the other. The humor doesn't undercut the romance; it deepens it. And the romance doesn't smother the comedy; it gives it stakes. That balance—that's rarer than it should be.
Where to stream Au Revoir Taipei online
Au Revoir Taipei is currently available on major OTT services, and the streaming landscape continues to shift, so checking the Where to Watch widget at the top of this page will give you the most up-to-date information on which platform has it right now. Movie OTT tracks current streaming availability across Netflix, Prime Video, and other major services, so you won't waste time hunting. The film's 85-minute runtime makes it perfect for a weeknight viewing—it won't demand hours of commitment, but it'll stick with you long after the credits roll. Whether you're in the mood for something light or something with emotional texture, this is the kind of film that rewards a Friday night or lazy Sunday afternoon.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Who directed Au Revoir Taipei?
Arvin Chen made his feature directorial debut with Au Revoir Taipei in 2010. The film was executive produced by legendary filmmaker Wim Wenders, which brought significant international prestige to the project.
Q: Where can I watch Au Revoir Taipei?
Au Revoir Taipei is available on major OTT streaming services. Check the Where to Watch widget on this page to see which platform currently has it in your region.
Q: What awards did Au Revoir Taipei win?
The film won the NETPAC Award at the 2010 Berlin International Film Festival, a major recognition from the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema. It was also a box office success in Taiwan.
Q: Is Au Revoir Taipei based on a true story?
No, Au Revoir Taipei is an original fictional story written and directed by Arvin Chen. It draws on universal themes of love and heartbreak rather than real events.
Q: How long is Au Revoir Taipei?
The film runs 85 minutes, making it a lean, efficient romantic comedy that doesn't overstay its welcome.
Final thoughts on Au Revoir Taipei
Au Revoir Taipei works because it trusts its audience to hold two things in mind at once—that Kai's decision to follow his ex is both foolish and understandable, both comedic and genuinely sad. It's the rare debut that announces a filmmaker with real control over tone and character. If you're looking for something that won't demand emotional labor but will still give you something to feel, this is it. Perfect for those nights when you want to believe in love without having to believe in fairy tales.
