ambition vs tradition

His films consistently explore the tension between individual ambition and familial/cultural traditions, particularly evident in works like 'Eat Drink Man Woman' and 'The Wedding Banquet'.

He examines how personal aspirations clash with historical and social traditions through meditative, character-driven narratives in films like 'A City of Sadness' and 'The Assassin'.

His socially conscious films like 'I, Daniel Blake' and 'Sorry We Missed You' expose how systemic pressures force individuals to abandon traditional values and community bonds for survival.