When filmmaking is 'Better Than Sex'

Basically, Better Than Sex looks like a Taiwanese version of American Pie. It has silly, daring and extremely funny comedic elements. It has pop singers playing the good-looking teenagers. And it has the music of rock star Chang Chen-yue (張震嶽) and rap band MC Hotdog. Hotdog even shows up in some scenes in the film. It also recruits Hsiao-ying (小應), the lead vocalist of famous underground band The Clippers (夾子) to play a role as a silly motorcycle gang member who has his hands chopped off at the end of the film.

The cinematic technique of the film is not impressive, and is most of the time scrappy and looks like a music video or commercial. And the actors are mediocre. But the wicked and daring story ideas make up for these flaws for a first-time director. Most importantly, Su has successfully gripped the major entertainment elements of a film, which have been lacking in Taiwanese filmmaking.

"This film is purely intended for Taiwan's teenagers," said Su. He said he originally just wanted to make a film filled with music. "Because I see tens of thousands of teenagers go to music concerts but not to movie theaters. Then I thought if I could bring at least 3000 of them to come to see my film, which also has music and rock stars, I would make it for the film," he said. And plus, Su added, jokingly, if the film earns box office receipts of NT$20 million, he would go running naked in front of the presidential hall.

From the sale of advance tickets, which have just passed the 3000 mark, Su should be going to the gym more often.