The Hole

Founded in 2013, Big World Pictures is a non-profit distribution outfit dedicated to bringing the best in world cinema to film enthusiasts across the United States. Previous releases include films by Radu Jude, Tamer El Said, Maya Vitkova, Jean-Gabriel Périot, Julia Murat, Tsai Ming-liang and Eric Rohmer. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!

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.

Director: Tsai Ming-Liang
Country: Taiwan
Year: 1998
Running time: 89 min
In Mandarin with English subtitles