What Is Three Times About?
The premise of Three Times in 301 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Three Times weaves three distinct love stories across pivotal moments in Taiwan’s history, each rendered in a different visual and linguistic style to mirror its era. The film moves between 1966 Kaohsiung, presented in warm tones with dialogue in Taiwanese Hokkien; 1911 Dadaocheng, captured in the silent-film tradition with on-screen titles as Taiwan existed under Japanese rule; and contemporary 2005 Taipei, unfolding in the vibrant nightlife of the modern city. Together, these segments form a meditation on desire, longing, and the ways love persists across changing times.
The first story introduces Chen, a young soldier awaiting deployment, who finds himself drawn to May, a woman who works in a pool hall. Their connection begins through shared games and lingering glances, suggesting a quiet, unspoken attraction that blossoms amid the rhythms of a city alive with possibility. The setting evokes a nostalgic intimacy, where small gestures carry the weight of entire emotional worlds.
In the second tale, set during Taiwan’s colonial period, a singing courtesan in a brothel longs for a different life. Her admirer, Mr. Chang, is a traveling writer and political activist dedicated to the cause of liberation, whose convictions shape the boundaries of their relationship. Rendered without spoken dialogue, this segment carries a hushed, theatrical gravity, where the courtesan’s voice is the only sound to break the silence, and the political atmosphere frames her personal yearning.
The final story shifts to modern Taipei, where Jing, a club singer living with her girlfriend, crosses paths with Zhen, a photographer whose camera brings him closer to her world. Their attraction introduces a complicated dynamic into Jing’s existing relationship, set against the backdrop of the city’s pulsating nightlife. This contemporary chapter grounds the film in a more immediate, restless energy, exploring how love and identity navigate the complexities of the present day.
What Happens in Three Times?
The complete story of Three Times, from the first scene to the last, in 1,026 words (about 4 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
The film is structured as an anthology of three distinct stories, each exploring different eras of Taiwanese history and the lingering nature of longing and desire.
The first segment, titled Love Dream (戀愛夢), takes place in Kaohsiung during the year 1966. This was a period marked by the onset of the Cultural Revolution in mainland China, which ironically fostered a sense of relative freedom within Taiwan. The story centers on a young soldier named Chen, who is currently awaiting his official deployment to his military station. During this time, he frequents a local pool hall where he meets a young woman named May.
The two develop a quiet, tentative connection, often exchanging meaningful glances and playing pool together while attempting to keep their mutual attraction discreet. As the night draws to a close and May begins closing the hall, Chen makes a heartfelt promise to write to her before he departs for his post, a gesture that leaves May feeling deeply flattered. Three months pass, and May receives a letter from Chen expressing his hope to see her again soon. After spending a few more months working at the pool hall, May decides to leave the city and return to Chiayi, where she had previously been employed.
Later, while off duty, Chen returns to the pool hall in Kaohsiung only to find that May is gone. Determined to find her, he begins tracking her trail, eventually discovering that she is working at a different pool hall located in Huwei. The two are reunited and spend a brief, precious amount of time together. However, as they make their way to the train station so Chen can return to his military duties, they arrive too late and miss their departure. May suggests they wait for the next available bus. As they stand together at the stop, Chen reaches out to take her hand, and the two huddle close to one another beneath the shelter of a single umbrella.
The second segment, Freedom Dream (自由夢), is set in Dadaocheng in 1911, during the era of Japanese occupation in Taiwan. This portion of the film is presented in the style of a silent movie, with the narrative conveyed through on-screen titles, and voices are only heard during specific musical moments. The story follows a singing courtesan living in a brothel who desperately longs for her freedom. She hopes to achieve this by becoming the concubine of Mr. Chang, a frequent customer who is a traveling writer and a dedicated political freedom fighter. Because of his commitment to his cause, Mr. Chang is often away for months at a time.
When he does visit, he shares vivid stories of his travels, and she sings for him in the only audible moments of the segment. While he is clearly fond of her, Mr. Chang refuses to grant her the freedom she seeks because he fundamentally disagrees with the system of concubinage and is entirely consumed by his diplomatic efforts to fight the Japanese. The tragedy deepens when the courtesan’s younger sister, Ah Mei, who is also a courtesan, becomes pregnant by a customer who lacks the funds to buy her out. In a gesture of kindness, Mr. Chang decides to use his resources to buy Ah Mei’s freedom instead. After she is liberated, Ah Mei says a tearful farewell to her sister.
A month later, Mr. Chang returns to the brothel. The courtesan informs him that her Madame has requested she remain at the house until Ah Mei’s vacancy is filled, and she looks at him with a hopeful, longing expression. Mr. Chang offers no response. Shortly after, a new girl is brought into the brothel; when asked her age, the child reveals she is only ten years old. After a visit from Ah Mei, the courtesan asks Mr. Chang once more if he intends to make her his concubine. He remains silent, leaving her in tears. Three months later, while listening to the young girl’s singing lessons, the courtesan receives a letter from Mr. Chang containing a poem reflecting on the sorrow that might follow Taiwan’s liberation. After reading his words, she quietly wipes away her tears.
The final segment, Youth Dream (青春夢), shifts to Taipei in 2005. The story revolves around Jing, an epileptic club singer who is in a committed lesbian relationship. However, Jing begins a clandestine affair with a photographer named Zhen after a sexual encounter in her apartment. This tension peaks during one of her performances when Zhen comes onto the stage to take close-up photographs of her, drawing other photographers to do the same. Jing’s girlfriend watches this interaction from the crowd, and as Jing interacts with Zhen, the girlfriend presumably walks out of the venue in distress.
Later, at Zhen’s apartment, he discovers Jing’s medical badge, which contains vital instructions on how to handle an epileptic seizure. Before he can return it to her, he sees his own girlfriend on the street and attempts to embrace her, but she rejects him. Meanwhile, at a club, Jing and her girlfriend have a heated argument regarding Jing’s failure to answer her phone. Jing manages to calm her with a hug, promising to wait for her to perform. Once they return home, Jing receives a text from Zhen asking to meet the next day to return the badge and the photos. While her girlfriend attempts to communicate, Jing remains emotionally distant and begins writing song lyrics inspired by her passionate experience with Zhen.
The following morning, Jing records the music for her new song and meets Zhen, asking him to take her back to his place to continue their affair. Back at the apartment, Jing’s girlfriend wakes up to find her missing. Discovering that Jing left her phone behind, the girlfriend types a devastating message:
I’m tired of waiting to be loved back and that I’ll kill myself like Jing’s previous girlfriend.
Upon returning home, Jing reads the message and lies down on the bed in a state of shock or despair. As the song she wrote begins to play, the scene transitions to a vision of her riding on the freeway on the back of Zhen’s motorbike.
Three Times Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Chen Meets May” to “The Final Message”. 15 events name a place, across 4 locations.
- 1
Chen Meets May
In 1966 Kaohsiung, a young soldier named Chen, who is awaiting deployment to his station, encounters May, a young woman working in a poolhall. The two play pool together and often exchange glances while trying to remain discreet about their mutual attraction. As May begins to close the hall for the night, Chen promises to write to her before departing, and she is flattered.
When:1966 Where:Kaohsiung
- 2
A Letter from Chen
Three months later, May receives a letter from Chen in which he writes that he hopes to see her soon. After working at the poolhall for a few more months, she decides to return to Chiayi, where she had previously worked.
Where:Kaohsiung
- 3
Tracking May to Huwei
One day, while off duty, Chen gets a chance to visit the Kaohsiung poolhall, only to discover that May no longer works there. He begins to follow her trail and finally tracks her down at a different pool hall in Huwei. The two spend some time together, reunited at last.
Where:Huwei
- 4
Missing the Train
Chen and May head to the train station so that he may return to his post, but they arrive too late and miss the departure. May suggests they wait for the next bus instead. As they stand at the stop, Chen takes her hand and the two huddle together underneath their umbrella.
Where:Huwei
- 5
A Courtesan's Hope
In Dadaocheng in 1911, during the Japanese occupation of Taiwan, a singing courtesan living in a brothel longs to be freed by becoming a concubine to Mr. Chang. His occupation as a traveling writer and political freedom fighter keeps him away for months at a time. When he does visit, he shares stories of his travels while she sings to him.
When:1911 Where:Dadaocheng
- 6
Freedom Denied
Despite being fond of her, Mr. Chang denies the courtesan the opportunity of freedom. He disagrees with the system of concubinage and remains overcommitted to the political cause of fighting the Japanese through diplomacy.
Where:Dadaocheng
- 7
Ah Mei's Freedom
The courtesan's younger sister, Ah Mei, who also works as a courtesan, is impregnated by a customer who cannot afford to buy her out. Mr. Chang decides to help by purchasing the younger sister's freedom. After being bought, Ah Mei goes to speak with her sister and the two say their farewells.
Where:Dadaocheng
- 8
An Unanswered Glance
One month later, Mr. Chang returns to the brothel to visit the courtesan. She tells him that her Madame has asked her to remain until Ah Mei's position is replaced, hopefully glancing at him as she speaks. Mr. Chang does not respond.
Where:Dadaocheng
- 9
Silence and Tears
A few days later, the new courtesan is brought in to speak with her, and when the courtesan asks the girl her age, she says she is ten. After Ah Mei comes to visit, the courtesan asks Mr. Chang if he has any plans to make her his concubine. He remains silent, and she begins to cry.
Where:Dadaocheng
- 10
A Letter of Sorrow
Three months later, the courtesan listens to the new girl's singing lessons when she receives a letter from Mr. Chang. In it, he writes of a poem that reflects on the sorrow that may befall Taiwan after being liberated by its captors. After reading the poem, the courtesan wipes her tears away.
Where:Dadaocheng
Show the other 5 events of Three Times Hide the last 5 events
- 11
The Affair Begins
In Taipei in 2005, Jing, an epileptic club singer in a lesbian relationship, has a sexual encounter with a photographer named Zhen in her apartment. The two begin an affair, even though Jing is already involved with her girlfriend.
When:2005 Where:Taipei
- 12
Under the Spotlights
During one of Jing's performances, Zhen comes onstage to photograph her up close, prompting the other photographers to follow suit. Jing begins to interact with Zhen on stage while her girlfriend watches from the crowd. A woman, presumably Zhen's girlfriend, walks out on the performance.
Where:Taipei
- 13
The Badge and a Rejection
Back at his apartment, Zhen finds Jing's badge, which carries instructions on what to do in case of an epileptic episode. Before he goes to return it, he spots his girlfriend down the street and tries to embrace her, but she rejects his advances.
Where:Taipei
- 14
Distant Hearts
At a club, Jing and her girlfriend argue over Jing's failure to respond to her calls, and Jing calms her down with a hug and a promise to wait for her to perform. Later, Jing receives a text from Zhen asking to meet the following day so he can give her the photos and her misplaced badge. When her girlfriend leaves to bathe, Jing remains distant and begins writing lyrics inspired by her experience with Zhen.
Where:Taipei
- 15
The Final Message
The following morning, Jing records the music to the song she wrote the night before, then meets up with Zhen and continues their affair at his place. Her girlfriend wakes up to find Jing absent and, after finding her phone left behind, types a message saying she is tired of waiting to be loved back and that she will kill herself like Jing's previous girlfriend. Jing returns home, finds the message, and lies down on the bed as the song she wrote begins to play. She is last seen riding with Zhen on his motorbike along the freeway.
Where:Taipei
Who Are the Main Characters in Three Times?
5 characters, among them Chen, May and Mr. Chang: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- C
Chen
A young soldier navigating his feelings amidst impending military duties, Chen embodies the essence of quiet yearning. His initial connection with May captures a sense of nostalgia and innocence, showcasing his emotional sincerity. Driven by a sense of duty yet deeply human in his desires, he represents the personal struggles of many during a turbulent time.
- 👨✈️ Soldier
- ❤️ Dreamer
- 🔍 Searcher
- M
May
May is a young woman working at the pool hall who finds herself drawn into a delicate romance with Chen. Her character reflects themes of longing and loss, as she navigates her emotions with grace and restraint. The promise of connection and her ultimate departure adds layers to her character, illuminating the complexities of love in fleeting moments.
- 💞 Love
- 👩🎤 Performer
- 📬 Hopeful
- MC
Mr. Chang
A political freedom fighter and writer, Mr. Chang represents the struggle for autonomy against oppressive forces. His connection with the courtesan hints at both personal affection and moral conflict, as he is torn between love and his commitment to social justice. This inner turmoil shapes his decisions and profoundly affects those around him.
- ✍️ Writer
- 🌍 Activist
- ❤️ Conflict
- J
Jing
Jing is an epileptic club singer experiencing the highs and lows of love in a modern, urban setting. Her internal struggles and passionate connections reveal complexities within her character, showcasing the challenges of managing relationships under the pressures of personal identity. Her journey highlights the conflicts between romantic desires and emotional responsibilities.
- 🎤 Singer
- 🌈 LGBTQ+
- 💔 Heartbroken
- Z
Zhen
A photographer whose brief affair with Jing becomes a point of tension, Zhen embodies the allure and complications of desire. His interactions with Jing reveal his own struggles with commitment and emotional distance, serving as a catalyst for Jing's internal conflicts. Zhen's character adds depth to the exploration of love in the face of personal chaos.
- 📸 Photographer
- 🤔 Conflicted
- 💖 Temptation
Where and When Is Three Times Set?
Three Times is set in Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Huwei, Dadaocheng and Taipei (1966, 1911, 2005). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1966, 1911, 2005
The narrative unfolds across three key historical periods in Taiwan. In 1966, Taiwanese society experiences a contrast of constraints and emerging freedoms against the shadow of the Cultural Revolution. The year 1911 captures the intensity of Japanese occupation, amid a struggle for personal and political freedom. By 2005, relationships and cultural expressions evolve as Taiwan enters the modern age, reflecting a blend of tradition and contemporary challenges.
Where
Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Huwei, Dadaocheng, Taipei
The film takes place in various cities across Taiwan, each reflecting distinct historical eras. Kaohsiung, known for its vibrant port and urban atmosphere, serves as the backdrop for tentative romance during the 1960s. Dadaocheng embodies the historical significance of Taiwan under Japanese occupation, while Taipei illustrates contemporary urban life in the 21st century.
- 🏙️ Location
- 🏮 Historical
What Are the Themes of Three Times?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Longing, Freedom and Desire.
-
01
Longing
Longing permeates the narratives as characters grapple with desire and emotional connection. Each story showcases the bittersweet nature of yearning, whether it's Chen's quiet affection for May, the courtesan's dream for love and freedom, or Jing's tumultuous relationships. This theme resonates deeply, exploring the profound impacts of love and separation throughout Taiwanese history.
-
02
Freedom
The pursuit of freedom is a central theme, particularly in the second segment where the courtesan desires liberation from societal constraints. The struggle for personal agency reflects broader issues in Taiwanese history, highlighting the complexities of relationships within oppressive systems. As each character seeks liberation in their own context, the theme underscores the ongoing quest for autonomy.
-
03
Desire
Desire manifests differently across the three segments, illustrating both personal and societal conflicts. Chen and May's subtle attraction contrasts with Jing's passionate but complicated relationship with Zhen. Through music and performance, the film encapsulates how desire influences choices and identities, culminating in moments of both bliss and heartbreak.
What Kind of Film Is Three Times?
Melancholic in tone, with slow pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Slow
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Mixed
A contemplative, melancholic anthology drifting across Taiwanese eras, where quiet glances and missed connections carry the weight of history, longing, and unfulfilled desire.
- melancholic
- longing
- contemplative
- slow burn
- wistful
- brooding
- unrequited love
- missed connections
- colonial oppression
- sexual exploitation
Content notes: suicide ideation, child exploitation, sexual exploitation, concubinage, infidelity, colonial oppression.
Quiz
How well do you remember Three Times? Test yourself on the story.
