The Dull-Ice Flower

As dull-ice flowers come into bloom, art teacher KUO Yun-tien arrives to teach in a rural village. He discovers KU A-ming, a mischievous boy gifted with a vivid imagination and a natural talent for painting. Despite growing up in poverty, A-ming captures the world around him with an optimistic brush. When KUO passionately recommends him for a competition, he is forced to confront the harsh realities and obstacles that stand in the way.

Adapted from the novel of the same title by Taiwanese literary giant CHUNG Chao-cheng, the film uses an unadorned visual style to lay bare the social realities beneath everyday life. Its eponymous theme song, entwined with a tearful story of longing, has been sung and remembered across generations. It previously selected and premiered at Berlinale in 1990.

Festivals & awards

Berlinale 1990

Cannes Classics 2026