Leofwine_draca FORMOSA BETRAYED is better as teaching material than it is a thriller. It's an unashamedly political movie that aims to explore the complex and often murky goings-on in early 1980s Taiwan, where government-sponsored assassinations were more often than not the norm and where the secret war with China continued unabated.Onto this admittedly intriguing backdrop has been stapled a somewhat straightforward thriller, with American import James Van Der Beek investigating a murder. A whole host of Asian-American actors play in support to either help or hinder him along, and there are some admittedly exciting and/or shocking moments thrown in along the way. However, this is very much a B-picture in feel in terms of style and execution, although that unusual backdrop makes it worth watching.

rzajac I had to hang with the film for a while before it started to pay off. Until then, it sort of felt like a well-funded political action thriller directed and constructed somewhat less than professionally.In the end, you could do worse if you dig political action. But lapses in narrative work and character development prevent me from calling this a truly fine film.I live in Taiwan. I have to say that the film rather does succeed in putting some faces and blood and sweat and tears behind the bits of history that I've learned since I came here.If you're thinking of renting it, I'd recommend at least a quick peruse of some online materials related to Taiwan in the post-War period, up to the time depicted (the '80s).

Bo H Its not hard to understand why some people took the movie as offensive. Although not a documentary, the movie has events that actually occurred in Taiwan's recent history. Those brought up under KMT's propaganda can't believe such capable government can do such nasty things behind people's back. :DThere are so basic facts about the movie.1. Not a documentary: Inspired by actual events, but not actual events. 2. For non-Taiwanese audiences: Or those not-familiar with Taiwan and her background. This "Free China" was backed by the US to fight communists but at the expense of severely restricting human rights in Taiwan. 3. Not actual scenes: Unfortunately, due to funding and the political situation in Taiwan, the set needs to be filmed elsewhere than Taiwan.This movie is a must-see for those who wants to know more about Taiwan and even for those who knows nothing about Taiwan and wants to know the island that makes everything in the 70s and 80s. People who calls it a propaganda is probably afraid of viewers will become interested and search for more info on the background of Taiwan, especially those times under the rule of KMT. Human rights and justice are universal common values, however, the Taiwanese people was not able to enjoy such.

ahab625 The movie is full of misleading ideas and fictional information. With poor casts selection and bad acting.When did FBI agent authorize to handle cases oversea? And a Taiwanese waiter that speaks better English than Chinese? A museum director knows when the police raid takes place? Combining multiple events that happens in different years into one event.Adds none existing fiction to dramatize the story.The list goes on and on.It is a film made to promote certain political interest.It holds no more truth than most fictional movies.It was a pain to sit through the 1hr 45min.