Taipei Exchanges (2010)
A quiet, tender Taiwanese drama where a Taipei café becomes a place of unexpected trades, small wonders, and one woman's awakening to the wider world.
Taipei Exchanges - Movie Information
- Original Title: 第36個故事
- Release Year: 2010
- Directed by: Hsiao Ya-chuan
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 14, 2010 (Taiwan), July 7, 2011 (South Korea - All)
- Alternative Titles: 타이페이 카페 스토리 (KR)
- Production Companies: Atom Films
- Production Countries: Taiwan
Taipei Exchanges - Plot
Doris simply wanted to open a refined, stylish coffee shop in a bohemian Taipei neighborhood, but when she's stuck with a load of useless gifts from the opening celebration, her younger sister Josie turns the café into a burgeoning bartering business. There, even a soulful song (by Japanese singer Atari Kosuke in a cameo) is a tradable commodity. One day, a traveler brings in 35 soaps from around the world with a story for each of them, awakening Doris' imagination about the outside world that she has never seen.
Taipei Exchanges - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for this quietly enchanting Taiwanese film:
Where to Watch Taipei Exchanges
Looking for where to watch Taipei Exchanges?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Taipei Exchanges - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Hsiao Ya-chuan
Main Cast
- Gwei Lun-Mei
- Zaizai Lin
- Chang Han
- Yuli Ma
- Atari Kousuke
- Pa Yu
- Kenny Chang
- Yu-Wen Chang
- Hsu-Hu Yuan
- Adriene Lin
Writers
- Hsiao Ya-chuan
Producers
- Hou Hsiao-hsien
Taipei Exchanges - FAQs
What is Taipei Exchanges about?
Taipei Exchanges follows Doris, who opens a stylish café in a bohemian Taipei neighborhood. When her sister Josie transforms it into a bartering business, the café becomes a place where anything — even a song — can be traded. A traveler's 35 soaps from around the world quietly changes Doris forever.
Where can I stream Taipei Exchanges?
You can watch Taipei Exchanges on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Cineverse, Tubi TV, and Fawesome. Several of these options are free or ad-supported, making it easy to catch this quiet Taiwanese gem without a subscription.
What is the bartering concept in Taipei Exchanges?
In the film, Josie turns her sister's café into a barter shop where customers trade objects instead of paying with money. The idea is playful yet philosophical — anything holds value if someone wants it, including a heartfelt song performed by Japanese musician Atari Kousuke in a memorable cameo.
Who are the main actors in Taipei Exchanges?
The film stars Gwei Lun-Mei as Doris and Zaizai Lin as her spirited younger sister Josie. Chang Han, Yuli Ma, and Japanese musician Atari Kousuke round out the cast, with Kousuke appearing as a Japanese customer whose song becomes one of the café's most prized trade items.
Who directed Taipei Exchanges?
Taipei Exchanges was directed by Hsiao Ya-chuan, a Taiwanese filmmaker known for his gentle, observational style. He also wrote the screenplay. The film was produced by legendary director Hou Hsiao-hsien, whose influence on Taiwanese cinema lends the project considerable artistic pedigree.
When was Taipei Exchanges released?
Taipei Exchanges had its theatrical release in Taiwan on May 14, 2010. It later opened in South Korea on July 7, 2011, where it was released under the title 타이페이 카페 스토리. The film's gentle pace and visual warmth earned it a devoted following across East Asia.
What are films similar to Taipei Exchanges?
If you loved Taipei Exchanges, you'll likely enjoy other Taiwanese classics like Yi Yi (2000), Eat Drink Man Woman (1994), and Taipei Story (1985). For something with a similar quiet, contemplative mood, Grass (2018) and The Most Distant Course (2007) are wonderful companion pieces.
How long is Taipei Exchanges?
Taipei Exchanges runs for 82 minutes — a compact, unhurried runtime that suits its gentle, slice-of-life storytelling perfectly. It's the kind of film that feels complete without overstaying its welcome, making it an ideal watch for a quiet afternoon.
More About Taipei Exchanges
Explore further details about Taipei Exchanges on these trusted resources: