The End of the Track

(PAO DAO ZHONG DIAN)

Hsiao-Tung, a young man from the middle classes, is the best friend of Yung-Sheng, whose parents own a small noodles restaurant. They are inseparable and spend their time swimming stark naked on the local beaches, acting out combats or exploring a disused mine. Tragedy occurs however when Hsiao-Tung suggests that they embark on a “race”, him with his scoring board and Yung-Sheng running around the stadium track. Yung-Sheng starts to get tired but, because of Hsaio-Tung’s encouragement, he keeps on running until he collapses into his friend's arms and dies.

Feeling responsible for pushing Yung-Sheng towards his death by not recognising his distress, Hsiao-Tung tries to make up for it by helping out at his parents’ noodle stand. While his efforts allow him to be accepted by the Lees, he comes to the conclusion that he cannot take his friend’s place or swap his life for Yung-Sheng’s. He cannot change course to become a noodle stall owner’s son, but he cannot be reconciled either with the petty conservatism which defines the life of his respectable, middle-class parents.