Super Citizen (1985)
A raw portrait of Taipei's urban underworld, as a young man searches for his missing sister through the city's shadows.
Super Citizen - Movie Information
- Original Title: 超级市民
- Release Year: 1985
- Directed by: Wan Jen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 50m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 1, 1985 (Taiwan)
- Production Countries: Taiwan
Super Citizen - Plot
A young man from the country comes to Taipei to search for his sister from whom he has heard nothing during the past year. Beginning in a tenement slum, the young man travels through the city's lowlife, where street hustlers sell fake Rolex watches and other contraband, gangs fight each other, and the ubiquitous sex businesses ply their trade. The young man befriends a rich teenage girl and a young prostitute as he and a hustler who knew his sister search for her through a trail of clues leading to restaurants, dance joints, and brothels.
Where to Watch Super Citizen
Looking for where to watch Super Citizen?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Super Citizen - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wan Jen
Main Cast
- Lee Chih-chi
- Su Ming-ming
- Chen Bo-zheng
- Lin Hsiu-Ling
- Man-Chiao Wang
- Kuan Yun-loong
- Joseph Hsia
- Yen Cheng-kuo
- Ying Ying
- Wong Tak-Sang
Writers
- Wan Jen
- Liao Ching-Sung
Producers
- John Woo
Super Citizen - FAQs
What is Super Citizen about?
Super Citizen follows a young rural man who travels to Taipei searching for his sister, from whom he has had no word for a year. His journey takes him through the city's underbelly — tenement slums, street hustlers, gang conflicts, and the sex trade — as he pieces together clues about her fate.
Who directed Super Citizen?
Super Citizen was directed by Wan Jen, a key figure in the Taiwan New Cinema movement of the 1980s. The film is considered one of his most significant works, offering a raw and unflinching portrait of urban life in Taipei during that era.
Who are the main actors in Super Citizen?
The film stars Lee Chih-chi, Su Ming-ming, and Chen Bo-zheng in leading roles, supported by Lin Hsiu-Ling, Man-Chiao Wang, Kuan Yun-loong, Joseph Hsia, Yen Cheng-kuo, Ying Ying, and Wong Tak-Sang.
When was Super Citizen released?
Super Citizen was released on April 1, 1985, in Taiwan. It emerged during a creatively fertile period for Taiwanese cinema, coinciding with the rise of the Taiwan New Cinema movement that brought international attention to the island's filmmaking.
Is Super Citizen part of the Taiwan New Cinema movement?
Yes, Super Citizen is closely associated with the Taiwan New Cinema movement of the early-to-mid 1980s. Director Wan Jen was among the movement's core voices, and the film's social realism, focus on urban marginalization, and documentary-like aesthetic are hallmarks of that influential wave.
What themes does Super Citizen explore?
The film explores urbanization, social inequality, and the moral ambiguities of city life in 1980s Taiwan. Through its protagonist's search, it examines the vulnerability of rural migrants in a rapidly modernizing Taipei, touching on exploitation, survival, and the fractured bonds of family.
Who produced Super Citizen?
Super Citizen was produced by John Woo, who at the time was active in the Taiwanese film industry before achieving global fame as an action director. His involvement as producer on this socially conscious drama reflects the diverse range of projects he supported early in his career.
How long is Super Citizen?
Super Citizen has a runtime of 110 minutes, or 1 hour and 50 minutes. The film's measured pace allows Wan Jen to build an immersive portrait of Taipei's urban margins, giving the story room to develop its characters and social observations with depth.
More About Super Citizen
Explore further details about Super Citizen on these authoritative databases.