The Wave Makers

Upon encountering a Taiwanese television drama respecting elections and domestic politics, I harbored concerns that it might excessively rely on melodrama and deviate from the realities of political operations. Therefore, my expectations for this series were not particularly high, and I intended to sample just one episod.

However, from the very first episode, I could sense the dedication of the production team. They didn't resort to sensationalism or distortions to create a nonexistent political situation. Instead, they approached the topic steadily and authentically by portraying various political maneuvers and events that occur in real political operations, allowing the audience to get closer to the reality of domestic politics.

Furthermore, the team delicately handled many crucial issues in political work, such as the pursuit of ideals and the compromises faced with the realities of power, as well as the conflicts between different political ideologies and styles within political dynasties. They also addressed the issue of maintaining a work-life balance in the face of high workloads during election campaigns or unforeseen political events. These significant issues were not merely touched upon but rather explored and well discussed throughout the entire series.

Finally, the drama also delves into contemporary issues such as workplace harassment, infidelity, and voyeuristic victimization, making it a more comprehensive and more appealing to watch for a wider audience.

This is an unmissable choice for those seeking to understand Taiwanese politics through a television drama.

This series fully embodies the spirit of Taiwan as a country where the people are the main focus. I believe that the above statement will cause a great uproar, such as Chinese people saying, "Taiwan is a part of China, not a country." I do not deny the Chinese people's position.

Although the lighting is harsh, the music is a bit too popular, and the humor is exaggerated, the series "Wave makers" showcases the character of Taiwanese people through these flaws. Unlike the conspiracy and intentional murder cases in Korean dramas, this drama is a simple political drama that discusses the behind-the-scenes staff of presidential candidates. Through this, we will see the pain, sadness, and laughter of the staff. They are campaign aides, the makers of waves, the makers of presidents, husbands, granddaughters, and even mistresses.

In the past, some have said that democracy is an invention of Europe and America, not a common heritage of humanity. This film does not discuss the most sensitive issue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait - unification or independence, but it was enough to make China's largest film review website, Douban, stop the comment function for this series. Without comments or ratings, this series will not have too much attention, because a little attention will reveal the noisy atmosphere of this life, where the people have painful struggles, but at the same time, they are free and fresh. Comparing the observation results above to China, this series becomes a troublesome creator, so let's just mute the people directly.

The plot is smooth, the acting is natural, and all the actors are the best in Taiwan. Moreover, you can taste the work style of Taiwanese people without traveling - a bit pessimistic, humorous, competitive, and striving. Highly recommended.

This is a program that brings you behind the scenes of what it takes to get a political candidate voted to office. The guy is soft and no backbone, but the lady is strong minded and determined. The rest of the cast was okay. They kind of looked alike especially the women but I am not complaining as they are very attractive. I wonder though if China would get offended by this type of program. They should realize that it's just entertainment. Any way not really much to say as it was only 8 episodes I believe and that was the best part. They were able to complete an entire story without stretching it unnecessarily. This is what a good series should be like short and to the point.

I leave critics over all movies and tv series in douban. Since this show is banned in China mainland, i will rate here. The show is rated 9. It's not about complex political competition. It's about ideally human rights advocates, LGBT + METOO campaign and self pursuit to own dreams as normal being. Also the plots and the campaign scenes are at best close to real. I love taiwan series and am amazed by their new developments these years. I had not been to taiwan and long for a chance to make a tour. The social culture and atmosphere is close to mainland and leading+open while reviving from preserved tradition.

An interesting political drama where we see a team behind a female presidential candidate working hard to get her elected. The campaign team includes strong female leads Ying-Hsuan Hsieh and Gingle Wan, with the latter having a dark secret concerning the male opposition candidate. It gives an insight into the workings of a Taiwanese election and the plot at times can be a little slow with the minor stories taking up time and going nowhere. The series definitely puts across the busy and creative side of an office deciding what should and should not be done in the best interest of their candidate. Overall a well acted drama but I would have liked more depth and development of characters.