Formula 17 (2004) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A naive romantic navigates modern dating, confronting personal ideals, a playboy's hidden trauma, and a self-fulfilling curse to find genuine connection.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

Arrival and Disillusionment

Tien travels to Taipei expecting true love from his internet friend Kevin, only to be met with a transactional proposal. Disappointed, he wanders into a bar where he reunites with ex-classmate Yu and encounters the notorious playboy Bai.

Key Events

• Arrival in Taipei — Tien arrives in Taipei to meet his internet friend Kevin. Characters: Tien Location: Taipei Streets
• Kevin's Proposal — Kevin suggests sex without love, shattering Tien's romantic expectations. Characters: Tien Location: Meeting Location
• Bar Encounter — Tien meets Yu, CC, and the notorious playboy Bai at a bar. Characters: Tien, Bai Tieh-nan Location: Bar

Clubhouse Encounters and Secret Struggles

Tien settles into a roommate situation with Yu and Alan, who attempt to help him lose his virginity. He takes a job at a clubhouse where he repeatedly crosses paths with Bai, sparking a mutual but complicated attraction.

Key Events

• Roommate Setup — Yu and Alan attempt to set Tien up to lose his virginity. Characters: Tien Location: Apartment
• Clubhouse Employment — Tien secures a job as a clubhouse attendant. Characters: Tien Location: Clubhouse
• Clubhouse Run-Ins — Tien and Bai have multiple encounters, sparking mutual attraction. Characters: Tien, Bai Tieh-nan Location: Clubhouse
• Psychologist Consultation — Bai seeks help for his kissing inability despite sleeping with many. Characters: Bai Tieh-nan Location: Psychologist Office

The Night Together and The Break

Tien visits Bai, leading to an intimate encounter. However, Bai's habitual disappearance leaves Tien hurt and confused. Bai's attempts to apologize are thwarted by a sudden business trip, deepening the emotional distance.

Key Events

• Jun Practice Attempt — Bai tries to kiss Jun to practice but fails due to emotional block. Characters: Bai Tieh-nan Location: Bai's Residence
• Tien's Visit — Tien visits Bai, leading to a kiss and intimate encounter. Characters: Tien, Bai Tieh-nan Location: Bai's Doorstep
• Morning After — Bai disappears; Jun explains the situation, causing Tien to misunderstand. Characters: Bai Tieh-nan, Tien Location: Tien's Apartment
• Departure Message — Tien leaves a message stating the misunderstanding won't happen again. Characters: Tien Location: Tien's Apartment
• Failed Apology — Bai attempts to make amends but is interrupted by a business trip. Characters: Bai Tieh-nan Location: Bai's Residence

Unveiling the Curse and Reconciliation

Tien's friends confront Bai and Jun, forcing Jun to reveal Bai's tragic backstory involving a fortune teller's curse. Bai finally tracks Tien down, saves him from danger, and they reconcile after a silent prayer for redemption.

Key Events

• Packing to Leave — Tien prepares to return home after failing to reach Bai. Characters: Tien Location: Tien's Apartment
• Friends Interrogate — Friends corner Bai and Jun upon their return to demand the truth. Characters: Bai Tieh-nan Location: Street
• Jun's Confession — Jun reveals Bai's curse backstory to the group. Location: Street
• Curse Revelation — Jun explains the fortune teller's prophecy that doomed Bai's love life. Location: Street
• Escalator Chase — Bai spots Tien on an escalator and attempts to apologize. Characters: Tien, Bai Tieh-nan Location: Mall Escalator
• Scooter Rescue — Tien nearly gets hit by a scooter, but Bai saves him. Characters: Tien, Bai Tieh-nan Location: Street
• Silent Prayer — Bai silently prays for a second chance before the rescue. Characters: Bai Tieh-nan Location: Street
• Reconciliation — Bai and Tien make up after the near-accident. Characters: Tien, Bai Tieh-nan Location: Street
• Epilogue Views — Friends share stereotyped views on gay fashion during credits. Location: Credits
• Final Reunion — The couple stands together, having overcome the curse and misunderstanding. Characters: Tien, Bai Tieh-nan Location: Street

Story Breakdown

• Protagonist's Idealism — Tien's unwavering belief in true love shapes his initial actions and disappointments.
  • Internet Romance — Tien travels to Taipei expecting a deep connection with Kevin.
  • Book Symbolism — Love Is A Kind Of Faith represents his rigid romantic standards.
• Urban Encounters — Tien's arrival in Taipei introduces him to a new social circle and conflicting values.
  • Bar Reunion — Meeting Yu and CC bridges his past and present social life.
  • Playboy Introduction — Bai's reputation contrasts sharply with Tien's romantic ideals.
• Friendship Dynamics — Tien's friends attempt to guide him through his romantic inexperience.
  • Roommate Support — Yu and Alan organize setups to help Tien lose his virginity.
  • Failed Interventions — Tien's principles consistently thwart his friends' matchmaking efforts.
• Hidden Trauma — Bai's outward playboy persona masks a deep psychological and supernatural burden.
  • Psychological Consultation — Bai seeks professional help for his inability to kiss despite physical intimacy.
  • Fortune Teller Curse — A childhood prophecy forces Bai into a cycle of self-sabotaging relationships.
• Conflict and Misunderstanding — The relationship between Tien and Bai fractures due to miscommunication and past baggage.
  • Intimate Encounter — Tien and Bai share a night together, breaking Tien's virginity.
  • Sudden Disappearance — Bai's habitual flight leaves Tien hurt and confused about the situation.
• Redemption and Resolution — Truth is revealed, barriers are broken, and the couple achieves emotional closure.
  • Truth Unveiled — Jun explains Bai's curse, allowing Tien and friends to understand his behavior.
  • Near-Accident Rescue — Bai saves Tien from a scooter, symbolizing his commitment to breaking the cycle.

Directed by

Yin-jung Chen

Key Cast

• Tony Yang Yo-Ning — Tien
• Duncan Chow — Bai Tieh-nan
• King Chin — Yu
• Dada Ji — C.C.
• Jimmy Yang — Alan