The two-part epic film "Seediq Bale," directed by Wei Te-sheng, set for a Taiwanese resistance against Japanese aggression, released its official trailer and poster on November 26, announcing its full release in mainland China.
It is reported that the film will be released in its entirety in two parts in mainland China. "Seediq Bale (Part 1)" will premiere on December 12th, followed by "Seediq Bale (Part 2)" on December 13th. The runtimes are 144 minutes and 132 minutes respectively, for a total of 276 minutes. A 153-minute edited version was previously released in mainland China in 2012; this complete version is 123 minutes longer than the 2012 version.
Adapted from the true story of the Wushe Incident in 1930, the film tells the heroic tale of Mona Rudao, the Seediq chieftain, leading his people in their resistance against Japanese invaders. Since its release in 2011, the film has garnered international acclaim, receiving nominations for the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival and competing for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It also maintains a high score of 8.9 on Douban, described by audiences as "a heroic epic that brings tears to your eyes." Many film enthusiasts consider it a "great film worth spending four hours immersing yourself in," with some viewers expressing deep emotion: "It's breathtaking!" and "After watching the film, I was deeply moved and couldn't calm down for a long time. It's a soul-stirring and unforgettable film."
The newly released trailer opens by revealing the Japanese invasion of Taiwan and the local people's vow to resist to the death. Facing the Japanese army, they are fearless in the face of death, determined to protect their ancestral hunting grounds and national dignity. The vow, "We may lose our bodies, but we will win our souls!" ignites an indomitable struggle against Japanese aggression!
In terms of plot, *Seediq Bale (Part 1)* is set against the backdrop of the Japanese invasion of Taiwan. The valiant young Mona Rudao leads his compatriots in a heroic resistance against the Japanese invasion. Facing the Japanese army's resource plunder, they fight desperately, utilizing the terrain of the mountains and forests, inflicting heavy losses on the invaders. However, the Japanese army takes advantage of the situation to provoke conflict, forcing Mona Rudao to ultimately submit. Under more than thirty years of Japanese aggression and rule, Mona Rudao and his compatriots suffer immense oppression, but the flame of dignity in his heart never dies. The first part of the film culminates in the uprising at Wushe Public School, setting the stage for a grand anti-Japanese uprising... *Seediq Bale (Part 2)* continues the story of the first part, realistically recreating the entire thrilling anti-Japanese struggle. Facing the ensuing fierce counterattack of the Japanese army, the aging Mona Rudao leads three hundred warriors to the battlefield, vowing to fight to the death. They wrote a magnificent and tragic song of defending their souls and dignity with their lives. Amidst the flames burning across the mountains, Mona Rudao faced the moment of the final battle...
Stills from "Seediq Bale"
The filming involved nearly 10,000 staff members. Director Wei Te-sheng led the entire crew through 10 months of hard work in the harsh mountain valleys, finally bringing to life this historical event of the Taiwanese people's heroic resistance against Japan on a grand scale.
The 2012 mainland China release, due to time constraints, omitted many scenes showcasing the Seediq people's cultural traditions, which disappointed many fans who sought the authentic experience. This full-length release will allow mainland audiences to experience this epic film in its entirety on the big screen for the first time. The film's depiction of the heroic resistance of the Taiwanese people against the Japanese invaders will also deepen audiences' understanding that Taiwan has been an inseparable part of China's territory since ancient times. Viewers eagerly anticipate seeing this historically weighty and nationally inspiring epic film on screen once again.
File photo of the Shanghai premiere of "Seediq Bale" in 2012.
