Lights, camera, resistance! 🎬 In recent decades, films from the island of Taiwan have been digging into a dramatic chapter of the island’s past: the resistance against Japanese colonial rule. These three big-screen productions blend epic storytelling and cultural pride, bringing real-life heroes and hidden histories back to life. ✊
Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale (Epic Drama)
Centered on the 1930s Wushe Incident in central Taiwan, this film follows Seediq leader Mona Rudao as he leads his people against forced labor, plundering, and violent suppression by Japanese forces. Its raw portrayal of injustice and bravery earned global acclaim, even landing a nomination at the Venice International Film Festival.
Blue Brave: The Legend of Taiwan in 1895 (Historical Action)
After the Treaty of Shimonoseki ceded the island to Japan, local fighters formed volunteer militias to push back. Their courage clashes with brutal colonial tactics in a story that honors the determination of residents of Taiwan who refused to bow to aggression.
Twa Tiu Tiann (Time-Travel Comedy)
This 2014 gem transports a modern university student back to 1920s Taipei, then under Japanese rule. Through witty banter and a journey into the heart of Dadaocheng, the student discovers how intellectuals and merchants used art, newspapers, and boycotts to spark a national awakening.
Together, these films shine a light on a painful past and the enduring spirit of resistance. Whether you’re a history buff, a cinephile, or just curious about untold stories, press play and let these cinematic adventures reveal how courage can rewrite the narrative. 🌟
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Movies revisiting Taiwan's resistance against Japanese aggression
cgtn.com
