"The Hole"
1998
Directed by Tsai Ming-Liang

Set just prior to the start of the 21st century, this vaguely futuristic story follows two residents of a quickly crumbling building who refuse to leave their homes in spite of a virus that has forced the evacuation of the area. As rain pours down relentlessly, a single man is stuck with an unfinished plumbing job and a hole in his floor. This results in a very odd relationship with the woman who lives below him. Combining deadpan humor with an austere view of loneliness and a couple of unexpected musical numbers, Tsai Ming-Liang crafted one of the most original films of the 1990s.  Produced for French television's 2000 Seen by... series, this was originally broadcast in a 69-minute version called Last Dance. This longer version is the director's preferred cut. "Tsai's most distilled, droll, deftly realized allegory" (J. Hoberman, Village Voice). Mandarin with English subtitles. Taiwan.  95 minutes.