Films about Taiwan
As
far as I’m concerned, one of the symbolic films regarding Taiwan is Leader of the Parade, named Din Tao in
Taiwanese, or zhentou in Mandrin Chinese. Din Tao stand for a formation of
personas derived from Taiwanese folklore, often as part of a temple assembly,
the traditional festive gathering of believers. It is believed that Din Tao can
protect the believers by punishing or capturing evil influences. Based on such
reasons, Din Tao is actually often solemn and formidable. Leader of the Parade
is about renewing the spiritual credibility of Din Tao by filling traditional
symbols with new inspirations, and concerning the bridging the generation gap, and
between homegrown and cosmopolitan cultures. Briefly speaking, it’s regarding a
young man, named A-Tai. After studying music and drumming in Taipei for some
time, he finally returns to his hometown in Taichung as a recuperation stop
before heading off for the American dream. However, the relationship between A-Tai and his
father has been strained ever since A-Tai’s childhood because when he was
little, he mischievously painted on Din Tao, something extremely holy for his
father and the believers. One day, to save face following a rash bet, A-Tai
becomes the leader in his father’s troupe, Chio-Tian. He brings some innovative
and unorthodox elements to his troupe and makes it unique. With his perseverance
and creative idea, his troupe finally attracted media attraction and raised his
father’s conservative eyebrows.
