One of the greatest pleasures of watching classic films is seeing legendary stars perform opposite each other on the same screen. A true “clash of the titans” moment in Taiwanese cinema is the 1969 Taiwanese-language (Taiyupian) musical comedy Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu, starring YANG Li-hua and ZHANG Di. A sensation upon its original release, the film’s playful and witty storyline continues to delight audiences. To mark the Taiwan Film and Audiovisual (TFAI) 48th anniversary this March, and in conjunction with the commemorative program “Formosa Treasure: Taiyupian as World Cinema” (Pó-tó Ti̍k-sán: Sè-kài ê Tâi-gí-phìnn), celebrating 70 years of Taiwanese-language film, TFAI will present the world premiere of the digitally restored Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu (1969) on March 28. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience “the king of impromptu singing” and “the king of Taiwanese Opera” perform together on the big screen.

ZHANG Di, who loved singing from a young age, did not follow in the footsteps of his father, a renowned physician. Instead, he made a name for himself early on performing in southern Taiwan’s nightclub circuit, rising to fame for his improvisational lyrics and interactions with audiences. At the same time, YANG Li-hua, widely beloved by Taiwanese opera audiences for playing “xiaosheng” (young male lead roles), had also begun starring in Taiwanese-language opera films. One honed his craft on the nightclub stage, while the other grew up on the opera stage. Though their performance styles differed greatly, their shared passion for singing and performing sparked an instant friendship, creating an irreplaceable on-screen chemistry in Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu.

The screenplay of Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu originated from ZHANG Di’s signature stage performance piece “Seeking A-Zu.” The film begins as a rural romantic comedy before unfolding into a “country bumpkin in the city” farce in the second half. Zhang Di and A-Zu, whose parents are sworn enemies, are a squabbling couple whose relationship is further tested when a wealthy heir comes between them. Heartbroken, A-Zu leaves home and heads to Taipei, while Zhang Di sets out in pursuit of her love, leaving a trail of mayhem and comic misadventures. Can this ill-fated couple find their happy ending? This lively story is brought to life by the two major stars as the couple, supported by a strong lineup of character actors including Ai-A-Tsai, Ling-Ling, Hoo-Dau, LIN Sung-i, KANG Ting, and Thuat Suann. The film remains an indispensable classic in the history of Taiwanese-language cinema.

Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu is also the earliest surviving modern-dress film featuring YANG Li-hua. At just 25 years old, the “King of Taiwanese Opera” appears in a rare female look, wearing twin braids and a short skirt as she boldly professes her love, showcasing a captivating charm beyond traditional opera costumes. Meanwhile, seeing ZHANG Di’s famous smile on the big screen instantly brings back his signature call-and-response line, “Friend, you ask Zhang Di…” Both leads demonstrate their singing and acting talents throughout the film, which helped drive its box-office success. The film features 19 memorable songs, with lyrics by renowned lyricist YEH Chun-lin, as well as music and lyrics written by ZHANG Di himself.

A major highlight of TFAI’s programming this year is “Formosa Treasure: Taiyupian as World Cinema,” a celebration of 70 years of Taiwanese-language cinema. One of its four thematic sections, “Contemporary Resonance,” showcases TFAI’s latest digital restoration achievements. The world premiere of the digitally restored Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu will serve as the section’s opening screening, presented free of charge at 19:00 on Saturday, March 28, at TFAI’s outdoor plaza. Audiences are invited to experience the original screen charisma of these two iconic stars. For more information, please visit the TFAI official website: https://tfaitw.pse.is/8ubl7g

➤ To mark TFAI’s 48th anniversary this March (2026), the digitally restored Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu (1969) will make its world premiere on March 28. (Courtesy of TFAI)

➤ At just 25 years old, “King of Taiwanese Opera” YANG Li-hua appears in a rare female look with twin braids in Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu, boldly professing her love. (Courtesy of TFAI)

➤ The comedic supporting cast of Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu (from left): Hoo-Dau, Ai-A-Tsai, Ling-Ling, and LIN Sung-i. (Courtesy of TFAI)

➤ The musical numbers of Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu are both delightful and entertaining. (Courtesy of TFAI)

➤ Archival newspaper clippings of the original release of Zhang Di Seeks A-Zu. (Courtesy of TFAI)