Left-Handed Girl, a Taiwanese film directed by Shih-Ching Tsou and Sean Baker, is now streaming on Netflix. The film has attracted attention for its unique production style, being shot entirely on iPhones, and for its heartfelt storytelling that focuses on family, identity, and resilience.
Story and plot
The story follows single mother Shu-Fen and her two daughters, teenage I‑Ann and young I‑Jing, as they return to Taipei to rebuild their lives by running a noodle stall in a lively night market. I‑Jing, the youngest, is left-handed, but her traditional grandfather views this as a curse and forces her to use her right hand, suppressing an essential part of her identity.
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The film explores the family’s financial struggles, cultural expectations, and societal pressures while highlighting their determination to create a sense of belonging.
Why was the film shot on iPhones?
Shih-Ching Tsou explained in an interview with The Film Stage why they chose iPhones for filming. Shooting in the actual night market with traditional cameras was not feasible due to high costs and practical difficulties. iPhones provided a flexible, high-quality solution.
The cinematography was carefully planned from I‑Jing’s perspective, with shots framed at her eye level to emphasise her actions and experiences. Director of photography Ko-Chin Chen and Tzu-Hao Kao operated the cameras, capturing the vibrant night market and intimate moments with precision.
Cast
The cast features Janel Tsai as Shu-Fen, Shih-Yuan Ma as I‑Ann, and Nina Ye as I‑Jing, with Brando Huang as Johnny, Akio Chen as Wen-Xong Chen, Xin-Yan Chao as Xue-Mei Wu, and Teng-Hung Hsia as A-Ming in supporting roles.
Left-Handed Girl is more than just a family drama; it is a visually innovative exploration of personal identity and cultural tradition, made accessible by the directors’ use of iPhone technology.
You can now stream this intimate Taiwanese story on Netflix.
