From Island to Island

Taiwan | 2024 | Taiwanese / Min Nan Chinese / Hakka / Hokkien / English / Japanese / Malay / Chinese | 287 min | Documentary, Historical | DCP

Synopsis

During World War II, Taiwan was under Japanese rule. This film aims to reveal the hidden memories of the war in Taiwan and other parts of Asia. It explores the experiences of Taiwanese soldiers and civilians living under Japanese colonization, including those living in Southeast Asia. The film begins with a son asking his father a question. Through cross-generational memories and archival material – oral histories, family letters, diaries, and footage – it explores the profound impact of this historical tragedy on people’s daily lives. The attempt to reveal historical truths is in the vein of Lanzmann’s monumental work ‘Shoah.’ This film offers a non-Western perspective on a critical moment in human history, allowing us to rethink the nature of the banality of evil. It fills gaps in our understanding and sheds light on the impact of Japanese imperialism in Asia during World War II. The film is essential for comprehending the identities of Taiwanese individuals and their roles in shaping Asia today

Credits

Director