
Excitement builds for Taipei Film Festival closer ‘Marching Boys’
The closing selection of this year’s Taipei Film Festival, “Marching Boys,” follows the true story of the marching band at Taipei’s Chien Kuo High School. The members practice outside in the searing heat, playing trumpet shirtless. Clips from the movie have caused a stir online, getting over 500,000 hits. Tickets are already hard to come by, the limited screenings instantly selling out. Some scalpers have even started selling them online for three times the price.
Who said that Chien Kuo High students only know how to study? The movie “Marching Boys” depicts the true story of the world-champion Chien Kuo High School marching band. Facing the imminent dissolution of their group, the members band together, challenge the system, and pursue their dreams.
Kao Tzu-han
FTV reporter
To be screened later this month, “Marching Boys” tells the story of the Chien Kuo High marching band. Limited showings at theaters across Taiwan have sold out in seconds. Scalpers online are selling them for three times the price. Even before it’s been released, this tale of youthful passion has caused a stir.
This clip of the students marching and playing their instruments shirtless has gotten over 500,000 views online. Filming of this eye-catching scene happened in winter. Apart from learning the steps and the extensive physical training, the biggest challenge for this new crop of actors was learning the instruments.
Ray Jiang
Director
They’re practicing marching band, so of course they’ll sweat. And when they’re hot, they’ll take off their shirts and give everyone a glimpse of their excellent physiques.
The film recounts how the group of Chien Kuo High students created a marching band, forming unbreakable bonds of mentorship and friendship between them. It’s also the first time the story of a marching band has been brought to the silver screen in Asia. The director wanted to focus on the boys’ determination to grow and break out of the frameworks set for them.
Member of public
I’ve heard of it. If I recall, in his freshman year he tested into the top of his cohort. Very impressive. He also spent a lot of time practicing, but still didn’t fall behind on his studies.
Member of public
My high school had a marching band. They practiced no matter the weather. When it rained, they went to the gym, and on sunny days they practiced out on the field.
Apart from depicting the students’ coming-of-age, the film also culminates in the grand “100-piece marching band” competition. Chock full of nostalgia, this brand-new film will surely stoke sweet memories of childhood for many.
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2025-08-25