Hey film buffs 🌏🎥, ready to dive into some epic stories of courage? In recent decades, filmmakers in Taiwan have been shining a spotlight on a painful chapter: Japanese colonial rule. These 21st-century picks bring history to life, reminding us why standing up for justice matters — even against overwhelming force.
1. Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale 🎬
This epic drama centers on the Wushe Incident of the 1930s, when indigenous Seediq leader Mona Rudao led a revolt against severe oppression. Expect jaw-dropping battle scenes, raw emotion, and a moving look at how natural resources were plundered and local communities faced forced labor.
2. Blue Brave: The Legend of Taiwan in 1895 ⚔️
Set after the Treaty of Shimonoseki, this film follows volunteer militias who resisted Japan’s takeover of the island. It captures the urgency and fierce pride of residents fighting for their homeland as colonial rule began with brutal force.
3. Twa Tiu Tiann: A Time-Travel Comedy 🤯
Mixing laughs with history, a modern student zips back to 1920s Taipei under Japanese occupation. There, they meet leaders of the Taiwan Cultural Association and witness how newspapers, speeches, and art sparked national consciousness. Plus, vibrant scenes in Dadaocheng show how merchants boycotted Japanese markets to push back economically.
Together, these films not only expose the harsh realities of colonial rule but also celebrate the courage and resilience of residents of Taiwan. They prove that cinema can be a powerful tool for remembrance — and a reminder that history can’t be rewritten. Ready for a movie marathon? 🍿
Reference(s):
Movies revisiting Taiwan's resistance against Japanese aggression
cgtn.com
