Taiwanese director Hsu Chia-kai and several partners founded the “Selfpick” video production company, launching original Taiwanese series on YouTube. Each short film explores different themes, such as the commonly experienced “heartbreak due to military service,” the definition of success, challenges in education, music, and the difficulties faced by the film and television industry.
This short film is an excerpt from the second episode of the second season of the series *Mr. Bartender*. Through the compelling dialogue between veteran Taiwanese actor Hsieh Tsu-wu and the young actors and director in the show, the theme of this episode is revealed. Hsieh Tsu-wu describes that for his generation, “success is like climbing a mountain”—when an opportunity arises, you must bravely and swiftly seize it, even if it’s on a barren hill. But just keep climbing upward. In contrast, modern young people are well-equipped with GPS, hiking backpacks, and more, yet they lack the courage to charge forward and hesitate.
The director presents another perspective in the show, which may echo the sentiments of many youths of this generation. He says: “The current environment is different. Back in the golden era of Taiwan’s economic boom, hard work would lead to success. Nowadays, you might have to work hard just to get a small chance.”
After watching, netizens are divided, with each set of values having its supporters. Some agree with Brother Tsu-wu, saying it’s a “mindset issue.” Modern success may feel farther away, but information is abundant and accessible. “Without closing off old opportunities, how can we create entirely new possibilities?” The tools are always there—it’s all about how you use them. Without adjusting your mindset, it doesn’t matter which era you’re born in.
But there are also netizens who hold a different view: “In that golden era, failure just meant trying again. In this era, the system and education are problematic. Those born in the 1980s learned a bunch of wrong knowledge and went mountain climbing with a load of useless gear, while also carrying the burdens of the older generation.”
(Quick TV)