Featured buses take center stage; Tainan microfilm "Gradual Slowdown" features writer Liu Kexiang in a crossover role

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive report

"Taiwan Tourist Shuttle's" first microfilm, "Ritardando" ("Gradual Slowdown"), is a 7-minute dramatic short packed with suspense, humor, stunning scenery, and moments of reflection. It encourages people to travel by bus, savoring the human connections and local charm along the way. Writer Liu Kexiang makes his first crossover into film with an intense and committed performance, delivering high drama throughout the story.


▲ Writer Liu Kexiang (front row, first from right) stars in a crossover microfilm. (Photo / Provided by Tainan City Tourism Bureau)

The microfilm "Ritardando" ("Gradual Slowdown") tells the story of Liu Kexiang receiving an invitation letter from Taitung—but the letter forgot to include an address. Relying on the drumbeats from a CD and a paper-folded sheep drawn on the letter, Liu embarks on a "search for rhythm." The light-hearted journey is filled with suspenseful clues, and it culminates at the Taitung scenic spot, Bi Xi Shore, where he discovers a herd of 4-meter-tall sheep sculptures made from driftwood. There, he fulfills his promise to tell a story to children—and unexpectedly gains life inspiration from their innocent words. It’s a journey of finding one’s inner rhythm.

Liu Kexiang, who usually prefers traveling by bus, made his first crossover into film. He said that riding buses allows him to see different sides of the world and the interesting aspects of people. Filming mostly took place outdoors under the strong Taitung sun, and they often worked until midnight each day. With repeated takes and retakes, just six minutes of footage took three full days to shoot. His clothes got soaked and dried over and over, and Liu joked that being an actor is no easy job.