KUALA LUMPUR: Netflix Inc today announced the star-studded cast in the latest Mandarin original series, A Taiwanese Tale of Two Cities, directed by Tien-Lun Yeh.
Co-produced with KBRO Media, GoodImage and Green Film Production, this 20-episode series will be joined by a list of renowned Taiwanese actors, including Tammy Chen, Peggy Tseng, James Wen, Danny Huang, Irene Luo, Lee Poh Shiang.
The story portrays in detail the similarities and differences between Taipei and San Francisco, as well as bonds within Chinese communities in America.
The story of A Taiwanese Tale of Two Cities begins when two girls in San Francisco and Taipei respectively decide to switch apartments and lives. The series connects two cities across the Pacific, and follows a Taiwanese girl on her first trip abroad to pursue love, as well as a Taiwanese American girl on her family history exploration.
Two cities present two perspectives - Dadaocheng in Taipei is evolving from old to new, while San Francisco is a popular destination for many first-generation Chinese emigrants. Diverse urban lifestyles and cultural differences create looming impacts.
Tien-Lun Yeh is a young award-winning director from Taiwan securing multiple Golden Bell Awards in Taiwan. His blockbusters are also critically acclaimed.
He was nominated for Best Director two years in a row with Far and Away as well as La Grande Chaumière Violett at Asian Television Awards in 2016. The Mad King of Taipei Town, was also widely praised at Busan International Film Festival.
Tammy Chen will play Li Nien-nien in the series.
“Yeh’s works always integrate multiple cultural aspects,” said Chen. “It’s a rare gem in Taiwan, so this is a meaningful experience for me to present a Taiwan story.”
Peggy Tseng, as Jo in the story, works again with Yeh after Far and Away. “It’s fascinating to understand history in Taiwan via drama as an actress,” said Tseng.
A Taiwanese Tale of Two Cities will release on Netflix in over 190 countries globally in mid 2018, with over 20 language subtitles.