Morte Por Um Ideal

Saw this film at the Montreal Film Festival. I think it's one of the best political thrillers I've seen in many years. Did not know much about the history of Taiwan, but the film brought me back to the early 80s with it's Cold War references. The cinematography was excellent and you felt the film was epic in scope.

Was particularly impressed by the performances. James Van Der Beek makes a starring turn as FBI Agent Jake Kelly. He does a great job carrying the film. Wendy Crewson and John Heard remind me of many bureaucrats I've met over the years. Will Tiao gives a heartbreaking performance as Ming, the waiter/dissident. What happens to his character is so devastating it made me cry. Reminds me of Haing Ngor's performance in "The Killing Fields." The rest of the supporting cast is outstanding.

In fact, this movie reminded me a lot of "The Killing Fields" which I think this movie is for Taiwan as that movie was for Cambodia. Definitely a must see film if you love political thrillers.

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).

Hey Crapone! You should see the movie for yourself instead of making things out from the internet! Obviously you haven't read Formosa Betrayed book either.

Uganda Genocide, Armenian Genocide, Tibetan Genocide, Darfur Genocide, Muslim Uyghur Turks Genocide... The truth will always prevail. When people learn to admit the truth, then we can all forgive and move on.

Movies have a way of teaching us the truth in people and this movie should be recognized for it's excellence in story, acting, filming and for showing the truth.

Thank you for putting your money, time and effort in making this film!

Peace to all : ) ... even for all you haters out there!

I like this movie. I agree with some people that the scene doesn't look like Taiwan in 80'. It should've been more modern look, but the story is just so good so I can forgive the settings. It reminds us not to forget that we are TAIWANESE, nothing to do with China. We have been using the name "Taiwan" for 100 years, and I am proud of it. We have our own culture, language, food, government, law system, not to mention democracy. How can you deny it is a country and very different from China. It is a shame that still some people don't recognize Taiwan as a independent country, even some Taiwanese, but I appreciate that a lot of people are trying to let people see us and value us.

The acting and editing are excellent. Also, the music at the end "Desire for Spring Breeze", the traditional Taiwanese song, just makes me cry.

I managed to see Formosa Betrayed at a film festival and was really blown away. Political suspense films rarely grip you this much while still holding onto their intelligence. Wherever you are you must try to get to a theater to see this or anticipate the DVD release because it is not one to miss. Many political thrillers get bogged down in technicalities or are just idiotic in their execution, but Formosa Betrayed hits every right note. I was skeptical too when I saw James Van Der Beek was the star, but he truly rises to the occasion. Will Tiao also amazed me despite the fact that he is essentially unknown. Formosa Betrayed takes you through a whirlwind of action, suspense, and the fight for justice. Get out to the theaters on February 26th to see it; you won't regret it!