Against the strict and claustrophobic cram school atmosphere of 1990s Taiwan, After School (2023) is a very intimate coming-of-age film that catches the conflicted challenges of identity, friendship, and first love.
Inspired by actual stories and experiences, filmmaker Lan Cheng-lung gently reveals the life of three teenage boys stuck between the need to be true to themselves and society expectations. After School softly highlights the difficult trip of growing up with real emotional beats and compassionate narrative.
After School Official Trailer
After School Summary | |
|---|---|
| Title: | After School |
| Series Info: | China (2023) |
| Length: | 118 minutes |
| Is After School BL? | Yes, there's a BL romance. |
| Genre: | Drama, Boy's love |
Plot
Set in 1994 Taiwan, After School follows three high school boys, Zhang Zhengheng (Jan Huai-Yun), Cheng Xiang (Ethan Chiu), and Wang Shanghe (Jian Ho), known as the “Three Musketeers” at a strict cram school that prohibits romantic relationships and demands relentless focus on exam success.
Amid the pressures of academic expectations and family burdens, these teenagers each wrestle with their emerging identities: Zhengheng dreams of a passionate romance but lacks the courage to approach girls; Cheng Xiang, dealing with family turmoil, shifts between girlfriends while hiding deeper feelings; Shanghe, under the oppressive shadow of his father, secretly grapples with gender dysphoria. The arrival of the warm-hearted teacher Liu Jingzhi (Hou Yanxi) sparks a subtle but profound awakening, setting each of them on a different journey toward self-acceptance.
After School Cast
Charactor
Zhang Zheng Heng played by Zhan Huai Yun (詹懷雲), A lively and naive teen who dreams of love but struggles with insecurity.
Zhang Huai-Yun
Zhan Huai Yun delivers a charmingly awkward performance. While relatively new to the film industry, his natural portrayal of a teenage boy navigating first love and loyalty leaves a strong impression.
Cheng Xiang is played by Bruce Chiu (邱以太), the cool, popular boy hiding deeper, more complicated emotions.
Bruce Chiu
Bruce Chiu brings nuanced vulnerability to Cheng Xiang, capturing his internal conflict and hidden longing with subtlety. Known for his work in indie films, this role marks a strong emotional breakthrough.
He Shang played by Wu Chien Ho (巫建和), is A shy, introverted boy living under the heavy expectations of his strict father, while secretly exploring his gender identity.
Wu Chien Ho
Wu Chien Ho gives an exceptionally moving performance, subtly expressing Shanghe’s loneliness, inner courage, and delicate self-discovery. He continues to gain recognition for his emotionally rich acting style.
Chen Si is Played by Charlize Lamb (林奕岚), the bright, free-spirited girl whose arrival disrupts and reshapes the Three Musketeers’ dynamics.
Charlize Lamb
Charlize Lamb offers a refreshing presence, skillfully balancing youthful charm with deeper emotional layers, and leaves a lasting impact despite limited screen time.
Xiao Zhi / Mickey played by Hou Yan Xi (侯彦西), the warm-hearted teacher who becomes a beacon for his students, inspiring them to embrace their true selves.
Hou Yan Xi
Hou Yan Xi, a seasoned actor, brings touching sincerity to the role. His portrayal of Xiao Zhi (inspired by real-life LGBTQ+ activist Chen Junzhi) is one of the film’s emotional anchors.
Director
Lan Cheng-lung
Lan Cheng-lung, an acclaimed Taiwanese actor and now filmmaker, draws heavily from real-life experiences and social issues in his directorial work. Known for his sensitive treatment of complex emotional landscapes, he aims to spotlight marginalized voices within contemporary East Asian society.
After School Review
Review
Story ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (3.5/5)
The story skillfully interweaves multiple coming-of-age struggles without feeling disjointed. It sensitively portrays teenage confusion, hidden desires, and the overwhelming societal expectations of 1990s Taiwan. While some arcs conclude with a slightly idealistic tone, the emotional honesty remains deeply affecting.
Acting ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
The performances, especially from Ethan Chiu as Cheng Xiang and Jian Ho as Shanghe, are outstanding. Their portrayal of suppressed emotions and fragile hopes feels organic and heartbreakingly real. Hou Yanxi as Liu Jingzhi, the compassionate teacher, brings a heartfelt gravitas to the film.
Chemistry ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3.5/5)
The on-screen dynamics between the Three Musketeers are tender and vibrant, brimming with youthful energy and unspoken affection. Cheng Xiang and Zhengheng’s relationship, layered with friendship and unrequited love, is particularly well-executed.
Production ⭐⭐⭐☆☆(3/5)
While the cinematography sometimes suffers from heavy filters that blur the visual sharpness, it still captures the humid melancholy and vibrant chaos of adolescence. The soundtrack and setting beautifully complement the era’s atmosphere.
Ending ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
The ending is bittersweet but fitting. It emphasizes that success and happiness take different forms for each character. Although Shanghe’s reconciliation with his family feels a bit rushed, the overall emotional closure is satisfying.
After School Information
Awards
Inspired by the life and work of late documentary filmmaker Chen Junzhi, a pioneer in Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ activism.
Where to Watch
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