This qualitative review systematically explores patriarchal and hegemonic masculinity within the context of Taiwanese cinematic narratives. To develop a further understanding of this theme, the study uses a comparative analysis to explore the similarities and differences between patriarchal and hegemonic masculinity. The research findings reveal that cultural expectations surrounding gender roles and male dominance in Taiwanese cinematic narratives are deeply ingrained in traditional social norms, and these narratives often reinforce existing power structures. Masculine qualities are widely idealized, while female characters are frequently marginalized. In recent years, despite societal changes and the rise of gender awareness leading some films to challenge traditional norms and explore more diverse gender expressions and character portrayals, cultural expectations of male dominance remain prominent, reflecting the tension between transformation and tradition. It is worth noting that a key limitation of this study lies in its primary focus on a single cultural context. Therefore, future research could explore similar analyses in diverse cultural settings, offering broader perspectives on cross-cultural comparisons of gender and cinematic narratives. This review provides valuable insights into the representation of gender and its complexities within Taiwanese cinema.