PIERCE
104 MINUTES | THRILLER, DRAMA | 2024
Synopsis
Follows Jie, a young fencer reconnecting with his estranged older brother Han, who mysteriously returns after 7 years from juvenile prison for killing an opponent during a fencing competition. Wanting to believe in his brother’s innocence, Jie grows close to Han while training for the national championships, but when Han’s violence resurfaces, Jie is left to question whether his brother might be a violent sociopath after all.
Awards
Best Director, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2024
Grand Jury Prize, La Roche-Sur-Yon International Film Festival 2024
Dipchand LLP Best Feature Film Award, Toronto Reel Asian Film Festival 2024
Credits
DIRECTED BY: Nelicia Low (feature debut)
FEATURING: Ding Ning (CITIES OF LAST THINGS), Tsao Yu-Ning (KANO), Liu Hsiu-Fu.
PRESS QUOTES
“Pierce tells a gripping story in a coolly stylish fashion and should make its mark on the festival circuit without breaking a sweat.”
Screen
“A taut, sophisticated debut.”
Variety
“In her psychological thriller, Nelicia Low showcases admirable control of cinematic language and storytelling.”
Cineuropa
“Low exerts a confident control over her cast and narrative to deliver a really gripping first feature in this impressive start to her big screen career.”
Filmuforia
“The aesthetic elegance of Pierce convinces and charms without reserve.”
Le Polyester
“The two leading actors – whose magnetic performances as the timid, confidence-lacking Zijie and the self-assured, enigmatic Zihan– crackle when they are on-screen together.”
International Cinephile Society