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Not Simply a Wedding Banquet

Not Simply a Wedding Banquet  ·  1997, Taiwan
8.0
2,933 ratings
1
Film
0
Watchlisted
● Completed 🕑 1997

The first public gay wedding in Taiwan has stirred up considerable controversy, including a local campaign to ban this film. It tells the story of Yosheng and Gary, the first gay couple to have a public wedding in Taiwan.…

Synopsis
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Reviews (4)

In 1997 Taiwan, against a backdrop of societal conservatism and legal ambiguity, *Not Simply a Wedding Banquet* documents the groundbreaking public wedding of Yosheng and Gary—the first openly gay couple to tie the knot in Taiwanese history. The film interweaves intimate personal footage with public reactions, from joyous support to vehement protests, including a local campaign to ban the film itself. Through interviews and candid moments, viewers witness the couple's unwavering love and the courage it took to claim their place in the world. More than a wedding story, this hybrid documentary-romance captures a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ rights, celebrating love's resilience amid controversy. It's a poignant, raw, and ultimately uplifting testament to authenticity and the fight for visibility.

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romance_vintage
March 2024
9/10
I watched this as part of a queer film history class and was completely moved. The raw courage of Yosheng and Gary, the intimate camera work—it felt like I was standing right there with them. Such a beautiful testament to love against all odds.
SJ
social_justice_rewind
November 2023
8/10
As a sociologist, I found this film invaluable. It documents not only the couple's love but also the homophobic backlash and the fight for public space. The campaign to ban it adds another layer to its importance. Essential viewing for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ history and social movements.
CE
cinephile_eye
July 2024
8/10
The cinematography is surprisingly poetic for a low-budget documentary. Soft lighting during the wedding contrasts with harsh, handheld protest footage. The editing balances personal intimacy with public spectacle beautifully. A visual time capsule that still resonates.
LO
logic_over_fluff
January 2025
6/10
Important subject, but the documentary pacing felt a bit uneven. Some interview segments dragged, and I wanted more context on the legal landscape of the time. Still, the core story is powerful, and the wedding footage is genuinely affecting. Worth watching for history buffs.