Every year Netflix brings a movie to their streaming network that isn’t like the majority of the content. And this year, it’s Left-Handed Girl. The movie follows a mother and her two daughters as they return to Taipei after years in the country. Trying to start over again, I-Ann, Shu-Feng and I-Jing try to find their footing in the cities night market by opening up the family noodle business. On a family visit, young I-Jing is told by her grandfather that she shouldn’t be left handed, the left hand is the Devil’s hand, creating confusion for the young girl who thinks that if she does bad things with her left hand it’s not actually her but the Devil doing it. Only a misunderstanding a child can have, but a mix of cultural and generational differences on display.
One of the most outstanding performances though the film is I-Jing (Nina Ye) who’s expressive personality is just as big as the role that the young actress takes on. Her innocence and brightness continues through the film, and even when the movie takes more serious turns, she shines.
While the movie may not be something that fits the typical Western movie standards of story telling, its interesting, bright and vibrant. The story, albeit a bit predictable, will keep your attention and take you along for a ride. It is a look into a different perspective and culture that many of us are not used to, and is something that should be checked out.
Left-Handed Girl is now streaming on Netflix in both Mandarin and dubbed English.
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About Left Handed Girl
A single mother and her two daughters return to Taipei after several years of living in the countryside to open a stand at a buzzing night market. Each in their way will have to adapt to this new environment to make ends meet and maintain the family unity. But when their traditional grandfather forbids his youngest left-handed granddaughter from using her “devil hand,” generations of family secrets begin to unravel.