Touch of the Light (ATOM Study Guide)

Touch of the Light (2012) is a Taiwanese drama directed by Chang Jung-chi. Touch of the Light is suitable for secondary students in Years 9–10. The film can be used as a resource in the domains of English, The Arts (Dance, Media and Music), Languages (Mandarin), and Physical, Personal and Social Learning (Interpersonal Development). The film is a suitable text for study in VCE English, Dance, Mandarin, Media Studies and Music.

Synopsis
Touch of the Light is a story based on the life of Taiwanese pianist Huang Yu-Siang. Siang (played by himself) is a vision-impaired pianist who has decided to continue his music studies at university in Taipei. His decision means that he must leave his family home in rural Taiwan and live on campus.

Siang has always attended schools for the visually impaired and has never lived independently. His mother (Lee Lieh) is anxious about Siang's ability to cope. She spends time on campus with her son, helping him to become familiar with his accommodation and the location of his classrooms. Siang is just as anxious but, unlike his mother, he chooses to remain positive about what will prove to be a daunting and hopefully fulfilling first semester.

Siang is shunned by his fellow music students – initially because he is vision-impaired and later because his talent intimidates them – and falls in with his roommate Ching (Hsieh Kan-chun) and his friends. Together they form their own on-campus club called Super Music – SM for short – and prepare for their debut performance.

Jie (Sandrine Pinna) is a young woman who works at a local juice shop. Her dreams of becoming a dancer are slipping away under the weight of her mother's debts. Jie is frequently on campus, either handing out promotional offers for the shop or making deliveries. Siang comes to recognise the sound of Jie's voice and is attracted to her.

When Jie helps Siang cross a busy intersection, one thing leads to another and they soon become friends. Jie is inspired by Siang's optimism and fearless determination. With Jie by his side, Siang ventures beyond the university campus and becomes less self-conscious. Their friendship allows both to overcome the obstacles that others have put in their way. Jie auditions for a dance company and Siang plays in a music competition, proving to all but especially himself that his recognition by the judges is not a matter of their sympathy but rather his genius.