• Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien is considered as the leading figure in Taiwan's New Wave cinema movement.

Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien is considered as the leading figure in Taiwan's New Wave cinema movement. (Photo : Women of China)

"The Boys from Fengkuei," a film made by Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-hsien around 30 years ago, is being screened at the on-going Venice Film Festival, after it was restored by the royal cinema archive of Belgium, Cinematek.

The film is one of the most celebrated projects of the critically acclaimed director as it marked the change in his cinematic style completely.

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The title was also regarded as one of the first movies that brought the unique cinema landscape in Asia before the European audience.

"The Boys from Fengkuei" follows the story of four rebellious teenagers from the coastal village of the same name. The title tells their adventures as they came to Kaohsiung and faced the big city's harsh realities.

Apart from the said masterpiece, Cinematek also restored the other early works of the director, including "Cute Girl" and "The Green, Green Grass of Home."

Hou's latest film project, "The Assassin," has also been released in major mainland theaters.

The film tells the story of a female assassin during the late Tang Dynasty in the 9th century. The role was played by famous actress Shu Qi.

"The Assassin" has earned Hou a Best Director award from this year's Cannes Film Festival.

Hou was born in the Mei County of China's Guangdong Province. He graduated from the National Taiwan Academy of Arts.

Hou is regarded as the leading figure in the New Wave cinema movement of Taiwan. He is also a screenwriter, producer, singer and actor.