Last May, when Taiwanese director Hou Hsiao-Hsien (侯孝賢) won “Best Director” at the Cannes Film Festival for his wuxia film “The Assassin” (《刺客聶隱娘》), my interest was immediately piqued. As an avid martial artist, I wanted to watch a martial arts film that was highly praised by international film critics, especially since it had been produced … Continue reading “The Assassin” Review
It is that time of year, the time to refresh on the Chinese Zodiac. The past year was the Year of the Goat, with this year being the Year of the Monkey! Do you know which animal is your zodiac sign, or how the zodiac came about? If not, read on! All the animal images … Continue reading Introduction to the Zodiac
As 2015 draws to a close, we look back on a year filled with local protests, controversies, and presidential campaigns. Here are 5 issues you must know about if anyone asks you about what happened in Taiwan in 2015: 5. Economic Agreements On March 30, the Ma administration applied for Taiwan to join the Asian … Continue reading 5 Things to Know About Taiwan – 2015
[W]e must be one, no matter which communal group we belong; we must help each other with compassion and treat each other with sincerity; we must dissolve hatred and resentment, and bring about long lasting peace After losing the First Sino-Japanese War, China ceded Taiwan to Japan in 1895 as part of the Treaty of … Continue reading Understanding 228 : More Than Just A Day in Taiwan
Similar to the US, Taiwan is made unique by the mixture of cultural groups that call it “home”. The island was originally inhabited by Taiwanese aboriginals and was then colonized by the Dutch, Portuguese, and Spanish as a trading post. Later, Ming dynasty supporter Koxinga claimed Taiwan as a base to overthrow the Qing dynasty, … Continue reading Taiwan: Land of Many Tongues
It's hard to believe that 2014 is coming to an end. Let's recap what happened in Taiwan in 2014.... March: 3/18 - 4/10 Sunflower Movement Hundreds of student arrived at the Taiwan Legislative Yuan (LY) to protest against the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) and the method that the LY used to pass such … Continue reading 2014 Recap
As protesters in Hong Kong brave tear gas, pepper spray, and police brutality in the Occupy Central Movement, the people of Taiwan are reminded of the Sunflower Movement that swept through their nation only six months earlier. In both movements, the demonstrators seek to protect their democracy by challenging an agreement or political reform that … Continue reading Hong Kong Faces Same Fear and Danger as Taiwan
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