Secret (2007): A Haunting Blend of Music and Time Travel
Secret (traditional Chinese: 不能說的·秘密) is a 2007 musical romantic film that serves as the directorial debut of renowned Taiwanese musician Jay Chou. A co-production between Taiwan and Hong Kong, the film blends a poignant love story with a supernatural twist, centering on the power of music to transcend time. Set against the backdrop of a prestigious music school, the film explores themes of longing, destiny, and the bittersweet nature of memory.
Filmed at Tamkang High School in New Taipei City—the actual alma mater of Jay Chou—the movie captures a nostalgic academic atmosphere. With a budget of approximately NT$65 million, the film became a critical and commercial success, earning US$9 million at the box office and garnering multiple prestigious awards.
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Key Facts
- Director: Jay Chou (his first feature film).
- Lead Cast: Jay Chou, Gwei Lun-mei, and Anthony Wong.
- Setting: Tamkang High School, Taiwan.
- Major Awards: Won Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year and Best Original Song at the 44th Golden Horse Awards.
- Genre: Musical Romance / Fantasy.
- Runtime: 101 minutes.
Plot Overview
The story follows Ye Xianglun, a piano prodigy who transfers to Tamkang Secondary School in 1999. While exploring the campus, he discovers a mysterious melody titled "Secret" being played in the school's oldest piano room. The music leads him to Lu Xiaoyu, a talented student who warns him that the song is a secret that cannot be told.
As Xianglun and Xiaoyu grow closer, their relationship is tested by the impending demolition of the piano building and the interference of Xianglun's classmate, Qingyi. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Xiaoyu suddenly vanishes, and Xianglun discovers that his peers have no memory of her existence. He soon learns the truth: Xiaoyu is a student from 1979 who discovered a magical music score that allows her to travel 20 years into the future.
The Mechanics of Time Travel
The film establishes specific rules for the time travel enabled by the "Secret" score, which only works on the antique piano in the music room:
- The First Sight Rule: The first person the traveler sees upon arriving in a different time is the only person capable of seeing them.
- Tempo Control: The speed of the music determines the direction of travel. Playing the melody allegro (fast) returns the pianist to the past, while playing it lento (slow) sends them to the future.
The climax sees Xianglun attempting to play the piece from memory as the piano building is demolished, risking his life to reunite with Xiaoyu in the past.
Production and Artistic Tributes
Jay Chou drew from his own childhood experiences to craft the plot, though he noted the film is more romanticized than his actual life. The production was a challenging endeavor for Chou, who insisted on directing the project himself to ensure his vision was realized.
The film contains several tributes and musical references:
- Personal Touch: The date Xiaoyu first attends class, January 18, 1979, is Jay Chou's actual birth date.
- Classical Influence: The film features works by Frédéric Chopin, including the "Black Key" Etude and Nocturne No. 21 in C minor, reflecting the protagonists' passion for classical music.
Film Summary and Reception
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 27, 2007 (Taiwan) |
| Box Office | US$9 million |
| Key Awards | Best Visual Effects, Best Original Song, Outstanding Taiwanese Film (Golden Horse) |
| Remakes | Korean (2025), Japanese (2024) |
| Stage Adaptation | Broadway musical (2016) |
Critics praised the film for its enchanting atmosphere and strong musical score. Variety noted the film's surprising quality and compared its style to 1940s Hollywood and 1970s Taiwanese cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why could only Xianglun see Xiaoyu most of the time?
According to the rules of the magical score, the time traveler is only visible to the first person they see upon arriving in the new time period. Xiaoyu carefully counted steps and kept her eyes closed until she was in front of Xianglun to ensure he was the first person she saw.
What happens if the music is played at different speeds?
The tempo dictates the destination: playing the piece fast (allegro) sends the pianist back to the past, while playing it slowly (lento) transports them to the future.
Did the film win any major awards?
Yes, at the 44th Golden Horse Awards, it won Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year, Best Original Song for "Secret," and Best Visual Effects.
Are there any remakes of the movie?
Yes, the film's popularity led to a Japanese remake released in 2024 and a Korean remake released on January 27, 2025.
Where was the movie filmed?
The movie was filmed at Tamkang High School in New Taipei City, Taiwan, which is the alma mater of the director and star, Jay Chou.