A City of Sadness Soundtrack (

A City of Sadness Soundtrack (1989) cover

Buy on Amazon Play and download Soundtracks

Rating: 7.90/10 from 6000 votes
Alternate Names:
Title in Español:

Ciudad doliente

Title in Italiano:

Città dolente

Title in Português:

A Cidade da Dor

Title in Français:

La cité des douleurs

Title in Türk:

La cité des douleurs

Title in Deutsch:

La cité des douleurs

Synopsis

A City of Sadness is a Taiwanese film directed by Hou Hsiao-hsien. It tells the story of a family living in Taiwan during the period of Japanese rule after World War II.

The film follows the struggles of the Lin family as they navigate the political and social changes happening around them. The eldest brother, Wen-heung, is a deaf-mute photographer who falls in love with a young woman named Hinomi. Their relationship is complicated by the political turmoil of the time, as Taiwan transitions from Japanese to Chinese rule.

A City of Sadness explores themes of loss, identity, and memory as the Lin family grapples with the changing world around them. The film is known for its slow pace and poetic storytelling, capturing the melancholy atmosphere of post-war Taiwan.

Download and play the Soundtrack list

Play Title Artist
A City of Sadness

User reviews

Carol Clark
9/10

Listening to the soundtrack of A City of Sadness is like taking a journey through time and space, immersing oneself in the poignant world of post-war Taiwan. The music serves as a powerful emotional anchor, guiding the audience through the complex web of relationships and emotions portrayed in the film.

Charles Turner
4/10

The instrumentation and arrangements in the soundtrack of A City of Sadness felt outdated and uninspired. The choice of traditional Taiwanese instruments, while culturally significant, did not always complement the tone of the film or resonate with modern audiences, creating a sense of detachment rather than emotional engagement.

Betty Parker
3/10

The lack of variety in the musical themes throughout the film made the soundtrack monotonous and repetitive. It seemed like the same melodies were used repeatedly, diminishing the impact of key scenes and failing to evoke a deeper connection with the audience.

Donna Hernandez
10/10

Each track in the soundtrack is carefully crafted to enhance the storytelling, adding layers of depth and emotion to the scenes unfolding on screen. The music seamlessly weaves together with the visual narrative, enhancing the viewer's emotional connection to the characters and their struggles.

Margaret Perez
8/10

The soundtrack of A City of Sadness beautifully captures the melancholic atmosphere of post-war Taiwan.

Steven Miller
5/10

Overall, the soundtrack of A City of Sadness is a powerful and evocative element of the film that enhances the viewing experience and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Its ability to convey the themes of loss, identity, and memory through music is a testament to the skillful composition and arrangement of the score.

Patricia Moore
8/10

The music enhances the emotional depth of the film, allowing viewers to feel the struggles and inner turmoil of the characters.

James Walker
2/10

The soundtrack of A City of Sadness felt disconnected from the emotional depth of the film. The music, although beautifully composed, failed to enhance the poignant moments or convey the inner turmoil of the characters effectively.

Mary Roberts
7/10

The use of traditional Taiwanese instruments in the soundtrack adds authenticity and depth to the storytelling, immersing the audience in the historical setting.

Ronald Moore
5/10

The soundtrack of A City of Sadness beautifully captures the melancholic and reflective mood of the film. The use of traditional Taiwanese music combined with haunting melodies creates a poignant and immersive listening experience.

Patricia Brown
7/10

The haunting melodies linger long after the film ends, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer and enhancing the overall cinematic experience.

David Phillips
5/10

The music in A City of Sadness effectively enhances the emotional depth of the story, adding layers of complexity to the characters' struggles and the historical backdrop of post-war Taiwan. The subtle nuances in the soundtrack mirror the characters' internal turmoil and the societal changes they face.

Kimberly Anderson
9/10

The soundtrack of A City of Sadness is truly mesmerizing, evoking a sense of nostalgia and melancholy that perfectly complements the film's themes of loss and memory. The haunting melodies and delicate instrumentation create a deeply emotional atmosphere that lingers long after the movie ends.