Pierce – Movie Review & Film Summary

Zi Jie is a high school student who spends most of his time in the fencing club. He trains hard and hopes his coach will select him for the upcoming championship. He also has a quiet crush on his teammate, Jing Hui. Sparring with him makes practice feel almost intimate. When he isn't fencing, Zi Jie likes to draw. He sketches portraits in his notebook, often of Jing Hui.

Zi Jie lives with his mother, a single parent since his father's death. She is now dating Uncle Zhuang, a wealthy man who shows genuine interest in her. He comes from a comfortable background and understands loss, as his own wife died of cancer. Their shared grief brings them closer together, and Zi Jie's mother feels hopeful about this new relationship. Uncle Zhuang also tries to connect with Zi Jie, wanting them to feel like a real family.

Zi Han is Zi Jie's older brother. Their mother tells Uncle Zhuang that her eldest son is studying medicine in the United States. It is a lie she repeats to protect her new life. In truth, Zi Han has been in prison for years, serving time for a murder he was accused of committing in his youth. Before his conviction, Zi Han was a national fencing champion with a promising future. The incident happened during a match when his opponent died from a fatal injury. Zi Han claimed it was an accident, but no one believed him. The scandal destroyed his career and their family's reputation.

After serving his sentence, Zi Han is released from prison. Their mother arranges for him to stay in a rural area, hoping to keep distance between him and the family. She believes it's safer that way and refuses to offer any support. Zi Han wants to return to Taipei, but he has no money or place to stay. Their mother forbids Zi Jie from contacting his brother. She calls Zi Han dangerous and urges her younger son to focus on his future with Uncle Zhuang's help. Zi Jie listens but feels restless. When Zi Han is released, Zi Jie secretly goes to see him, drawn by curiosity.

Zi Han visits Zi Jie at the fencing club, hoping to reconnect. Zi Jie keeps his distance at first. Zi Han tells him he was innocent and that the death during the match was an accident. He explains that his blade broke without his knowledge. He also reminds Zi Jie of their shared past, appealing to his emotions. Zi Han recalls the time he saved Zi Jie from drowning when they were children. The memory softens Zi Jie's guard. He begins to feel sympathy for his brother and wants to help Zi Han start over, even if it means stealing from Uncle Zhuang.

Pierce is a moody psychological thriller that held my attention from start to finish. The story is strangely captivating. Imagine having an older brother return home after serving time for murder. He looks at you with soft eyes and claims it was an accident, but would you believe him? Do you welcome him back like the protagonist, or keep your distance like the mother? The situation feels tense and bizarre, which is precisely what makes it so compelling. I was drawn into this twisted story, curious to know how everything would unfold.

Zi Han, the ex-convict brother, is an intriguing character. Is he a villain or misunderstood? That question lingers throughout the story. Obviously, I had my doubts about him. His own mother warns us again and again. Yet, Zi Han can be persuasive. He knows how to tug at our heartstrings. He behaves like a devoted older brother, offering fencing tips and love advice. The movie keeps him in a grey area, showing both his warmth and his manipulation. He's a complex figure whose true motives remain unclear. My mind sees the red flags, but my heart? Oh, I wanna give him a second chance. *sighs*

Pierce sets up a compelling conflict in the first half of the movie. It introduces the characters, builds tension, and develops their relationships at a steady pace. However, the film rushes around the middle. The turning point comes during a family dinner, a memorable scene that reveals how easily Zi Han can lie. After that, his bond with Zi Jie falls apart. The downfall happens too fast, undoing much of the careful buildup from earlier. As the drama intensifies, the situations feel contrived instead of natural. More noticeable cracks appear in the plot, weakening the film's impact.

There's a minor gay subplot, which develops throughout the film. Zi Jie, the younger brother, has a crush on his fencing teammate. With family support (and a trip to a gay bar), he gains the confidence to explore his feelings. The couple's connection is sweet and a little awkward, capturing the preciousness of first love. Surprisingly, there's even a kiss. Still, the romance stays in the background. Its development is light and surface-level, serving more as a pleasant side story than a fully formed narrative. If I had my way, the BL content would receive a bigger spotlight.

I like the performance of Zi Jie's actor (Liu Hsiu Fu). His big expressive eyes capture the character's innocence and trust in his brother's goodness. He also shows quiet vulnerability in the emotional scenes, making Zi Jie's pain feel genuine. His co-star (played by the handsome Tsao Yu Ning) takes on the complex role of Zi Han. The part demands a wide emotional range, and he handles it well. Yu Ning brings enough charisma to be sympathetic and enough edge to feel dangerous. He shifts easily between warmth and menace, keeping the audience unsure of his true nature.

Pierce ends dramatically. The final act goes over the top, and the theatrics may put off viewers who prefer subtle storytelling. Personally, I was captivated. Say what you will, but at least it isn't boring. I especially liked the closing scene, which uses a clever flashback to reflect on the brothers' complicated bond. It leaves a lasting impression and invites you to rethink their relationship. Overall, I was satisfied with Pierce. From a BL perspective, the romance feels underdeveloped. But as an intense psychological thriller, it succeeds in keeping me invested until the end.