Evolution: A Brief History

Taiwanese cinema originated as an extension of Japanese cinema, which was a strong colonial influence until 1937. Japanese films were adapted to Taiwanese filmmakers, for example The Eyes of Buddha (1922), and Whose Fault Is It (1925).

In 1945, Taiwan was then taken over by China. Over time, the number of Taiwanese-language films started to decline in favour of Mandarin films. A lot of the films being made were government-controlled, and used as propaganda to uphold the Chinese Kuomintag regime. In terms of genre, they tended to be kung-fu films or romantic melodramas. Films were meant to be shallow entertainment, not a form or artistic, and potentially political, expression where they could turn into anti-state dissent.

A Chinese propaganda poster  from the 1950's, advocating for
the "liberation" of Taiwan through force.

1982 marked the start of Taiwan's "New Wave" of cinematic history. Home videos became very popular by 1980 in Taiwan but the industry was under stress due to competition from Hong Kong’s film market, both within Taiwan itself and affecting Taiwan’s output in other countries. Thus, in this period Taiwanese films took a break from their martial arts roots and tended to be made based on the lives people live in the country, reflecting off of personal experiences which allowed the audience to connect with the protagonist. Stories were based on the economy in Taiwan demonstrating obstacles people in the country had to face, such as war, poverty, conflicts and political authority. Important directors from this period include Hou Hsiao-Hsien and Edward Yang. 

From left to right: Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Edward Yang, Ang Lee, and Tsai Ming Liang

Taiwanese cinema entered a "Second New Wave" period from the 1990's onward, as their film industry started to go into financial decline. The films that came out of this new era were told more comedically, and were intended to appeal to a wider audience. One of the most prominent directors of this period was Ang Lee, who continues to be successful on an international scale today. Some of his most popualr films include The Wedding Banquet (1993), Eat Drink Man and Woman (1994), and Pushing Hands (1991). His most popular film known for emotion and war was Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon which was released in 2000. Although it was a co-production, it helped to get Taiwan cinema more recognition on the international stage.