Edward Yang’s Yi Yi (sometimes called A One and a Two…) has this habit of showing up on every serious “greatest films ever” list, and for good reason. If you’ve ever wondered why a three-hour family drama from Taipei can feel more honest and alive than most two-hour blockbusters, this is the one that answers the question. Shot in 2000, it follows a middle-class Taipei household through one ordinary yet quietly seismic year—business setbacks, a wedding that stirs old feelings, a coma that forces reflection, teenage heartbreak, and a little boy’s innocent questions about the world. It’s not loud or plot-heavy; it’s just deeply, recognizably human.
In 2026, with the Criterion 4K restoration still fresh and streaming widely, Yi Yi remains the gold standard for anyone craving a film that treats everyday modern life with the same respect and curiosity we usually reserve for big events. Whether you’re hunting for it on Criterion Channel, wondering where to watch Yi Yi right now, or just looking for a thoughtful Edward Yang review, this is the piece that keeps pulling people back. Analytical without being pretentious, intimate without being small—it’s the kind of movie that makes you sit a little straighter and listen to your own family stories differently.
CAST AND DIRECTOR
Directed by Edward Yang, a key figure in the Taiwanese New Wave (alongside Hou Hsiao-hsien), who drew from his engineering background and personal Taipei experiences before his untimely death in 2007—this film is his magnum opus, blending autobiography with sharp social observation. Stars Wu Nien-jen as the thoughtful father NJ (a renowned Taiwanese screenwriter/actor who’s penned over 100 films, bringing insider authenticity), Elaine Jin as the resilient grandmother and mother (a veteran actress known for her nuanced roles in Hong Kong and Taiwanese cinema), and Issei Ogata as a quirky Japanese businessman (a celebrated comedian/actor famous for his one-man shows and international collabs like The Ballad of Buster Scruggs).
ACHIEVEMENTS OR REVIEW
A towering masterpiece; often ranked among the greatest films ever (Criterion Collection staple, topping Sight & Sound polls), with near-perfect critical acclaim—deeply insightful on family, modernity, and human connection. Long but worth every minute for a thoughtful binge, it’s a landmark of East Asian cinema that influenced directors worldwide.
WHERE TO WATCH
Stream on Criterion Channel (with subscription); rent for $2.99–$5.99 on Amazon Video, Apple TV, or Fandango At Home; buy for $12.99–$14.99 on those (US streaming—perfect for a deep-dive weekend).
These expanded takes on Capernaum, Perfect Days, and Yi Yi highlight why they’re absolute gems worth recommending: raw emotional power from the Arab world, serene Japanese introspection, and timeless Taiwanese family vibes. They offer analytical depth on big themes like survival and simplicity, straight-up excitement in their storytelling twists, and fun cultural nuggets to discover. Queue ’em up on your fave platform, dim the lights, and let the worlds unfold—happy bingeing from AsianEAC! If availability shifts in your region, hit us up for tweaks
