Synopsis

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Episodes

Reviews (5)

Happiness (2016) is a poignant Taiwanese short film that explores the quiet struggles of a boy growing up with two fathers. Yi Kai lives a seemingly ordinary life until Parent Day at school forces him to confront a world that doesn't understand his family. The film tenderly captures his journey from innocent happiness to painful awareness, as classmates bully him for having 'two dads.' With gentle storytelling and a focus on emotional truth, Happiness is a deeply moving coming-of-age tale that shines a light on the universal need for acceptance and love, no matter what shape a family takes.

Romance

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Short Film

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6.1

out of 10

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rainbow_heart_22

June 2023

8/10

I cried so much watching this. It's so simple but the way Yi Kai's happiness crumbles is devastating. The two fathers are so loving and it breaks my heart that the world can be cruel to such a beautiful family.

logic_over_fluff

August 2023

5/10

I appreciate the intent but the execution felt too brief and underdeveloped. The bullying scene was effective, but the rest of the short lacked enough context or character depth to make a real impact. It's more of a PSA than a full story.

prism_and_pixels

November 2023

7/10

The cinematography surprised me – the soft lighting and warm color palette really sell that initial happiness, and later the cold, desaturated tones mirror Yi Kai's isolation. A visually competent short that punches above its budget.

conscience_first

February 2024

6/10

As a social-value analyst, I appreciate a film that shows a loving same-sex parenting without sensationalism. However, I wish it had addressed the parents' perspective more – they remain almost background characters. The child's pain is real, but the film could have given more agency to the family unit.

short_film_hunter

March 2024

7/10

For a 15-minute short, this packs an emotional punch. It doesn't overstay its welcome and delivers a clear message about acceptance. Not groundbreaking, but a solid watch if you're looking for LGBTQ+ family stories.