Normally when you think of Asia and large cinematic epics, you instantly think of Mainland China and Hong Kong productions well, today that’s not the case. Wei Te-sheng’s (Cape No. 7) lifelong project, Seediq Bale, is about to be realized this September on the big screens of Taiwan.
This two part film, with both 90 min. parts being released two weeks apart, was produced by John Woo and had a cast and crew of 20,000 people. And that’s only with about a $10 million budget! Can you say holy macaroni!? I personally can’t wait to have the opportunity to screen this monster of a movie.
The movie is based on the final large scale rebellion of the Taiwanese aborigines from the Seediq tribe against the colonial Japanese, known as the Wushe Incident. Below you will find a more in-depth synopsis of the film in addition to a teaser trailer, a full length trailer, and some behind the scenes footage.
Seediq Bale stars Ando Masanobu, Da-Ching, Landy Wen, LO Mei-ling, Umin Boya, and Vivian Hsu.
Set in 1930’s Formosa (now Taiwan), and based on true events, the film depicts the valiant but doomed struggle of more than 300 native Seediq warriors who, overcoming long standing and divisive inter-tribal rivalries, united and launched a rebellion against their Japanese overseers. Fighting with ancient guns, spears and minimal weaponry and seeking to reclaim their land, their dignity and their honor, they took on the overwhelming force of the well armed Japanese imperial army. Driven by years of oppression and calling on the bravery and spirit of their ancestors, the 300 warriors using stealth, cunning and guerrilla tactics battled to a near victory, only to be decimated in the end by the superior weaponry and modern fighting tactics of their opponents.
For more information and videos you can head on over to the official website.
Thanks FilmSmash for the heads up
Recent Comments