5 Lessons in Happiness: Little Man poster
#12864 This Week

5 Lessons in Happiness: Little Man

5 Lessons in Happiness: Little Man  ·  2020, Taiwan
6.0
3,598 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 2020

Hsuan is a professional swimmer insecure about his “size” since he was young. He is unable to land a boyfriend because of this, and getting laid is completely out of the question. During a race, his swimsuit comes…

Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Episodes
Reviews (5)

Hsuan Teng is a talented swimmer whose confidence has been torpedoed by a secret he's carried since childhood: he's convinced his penis is too small. This insecurity has turned dating into a minefield and sex into an impossibility, leaving him lonely and frustrated. When a mortifying wardrobe malfunction during a race exposes his 'little man' to the world, Hsuan's worst fear becomes a public spectacle. But this humiliating low point also sets him on an unexpected journey of self-acceptance. With the blunt, hilarious encouragement of his best friend Sam and the surprising reappearance of a thoughtful past acquaintance, Hsuan begins to question whether size really matters when it comes to love. This tight, 15-minute short film balances laugh-out-loud comedy with a genuinely tender message about body image, vulnerability, and the courage to let someone see you—all of you. It's a quick, charming watch that leaves you with a smile and a surprisingly warm, hopeful feeling.

Episode data is coming soon.

6.0
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shipper_heart99
August 2024
9/10
I honestly wasn't expecting to fall in love with a 15-minute short, but here we are! The chemistry between Adam Lin and Paul Chiang feels so natural and sweet. That final scene where they just look at each other and smile? My heart melted. For a story about insecurity, it's incredibly warm and hopeful. Highly recommend for a quick dose of feel-good BL.
LO
logic_over_fluff
January 2025
7/10
It's hard to judge a 15-minute film too harshly, but I felt the resolution was too convenient. The 'size doesn't matter' message is nice, but it's wrapped up in a near-fairy tale ending without real exploration of the insecurity's roots. The acting is good, and the comedy lands, but it needed another 10 minutes to flesh out the emotional stakes. It's fine for what it is, but hardly groundbreaking.
CA
consent_and_context
November 2024
8/10
I appreciate how this short doesn't mock the protagonist's insecurity but instead shows how societal expectations about masculinity and size create real pain. The best friend's comment about his own 'blessing' being a problem too was a nice touch. The open ending also lets viewers decide what 'happy' means for Hsuan. A smart, body-positive little film that punches above its weight.
SO
shot_on_film
March 2025
6/10
Cinematography is decent for a short, with some nice framing in the pool scenes and warm lighting in the apartment. But the color grading feels a bit flat and the sound design relies heavily on quirky effects that sometimes distract from the acting. It's not ugly, but it doesn't stand out visually either. Given the tight budget, it's serviceable, but don't expect any visual poetry.
RR
rainbow_reviews
October 2024
9/10
I've watched this three times already! The way Hsuan's face lights up when he realizes the other guy has liked him all along... it's just so pure. And for a film about a 'little man,' it has a huge heart. The swimsuit malfunction scene is comedy gold but also heartbreaking. Perfect blend of laughs and feels. More shorts like this, please!