Moviegoers on the Chinese mainland can now visit the local cinemas for a look at Taiwan's most expensive film 'Seediq Bale.' The 150 million yuan historical drama epic is perhaps also the most topical and thought-provoking among the Taiwan director's recent productions.

The story is based on the 1930 Wushe incident. The Seediq people had lived and hunted in Taiwan's wild and central highlands of Wushe for generations. But their way of life was interrupted when the Qing government in 1895 ceded the Taiwan Island to the Japanese who tried to 'civilize' them while exploiting their land and manpower. The Seediq people, knowing their efforts will eventually led to their doom, revolted against the Japanese occupation and killed almost all Japanese people in the neighborhood. The uprising was later quashed by the Japanese army, with all the revolting clans being practically annihilated.

Te-sheng Wei has always wanted to make this film, but lacked the means. His last blockbuster 'Cape No. 7' was actually a detour that he took in order to raise the money for Seediq Bale. During the years he spent working on the funding, he did research on the Wushe incident. And while filming he was very meticulous with the details, so the epic picture appears most realistic and authentic. Viewers can gain a pretty good understanding of the life and spirit of the Seediq people, while at the same time enjoying the spectacular scenery, a taste of the local folk culture and tremble at the sight of blood-soaked battle scenes.

The best part about the film is the spirit. Not only because it is the product of the director's ideal and effort, but also because of the way he portrays the Seediqs. In his patient and realistic way, the director helps you appreciate the bloodthirsty honor system of the Seediq people, while at the same time stirs your stomach by revealing their crude head-hunting mania.

The sheer length also added to the cost. The film is divided into two parts, the Flag of the Sun and The Bridge of the Rainbow, running to a total of four and half hours. The first half could make a complete story on its own. The character of Mona Rudao, while weak against the epic storyline, is able to lead the narrative. By comparison, the latter part seems a little bit messy and redundant. Only the constant bloodshed and beheading helped me establish an effective line of defense in my stomach.

Perhaps the director concentrated too much on realizing his long cherished dream. His approach towards this film cannot be more personal. His main emphasis was laid on presenting the spiritual motives of the Seediq revolt, and his disregard for the pace of storytelling poses quite a challenge to viewers. Certainly the moviegoers could view the two and half hour single cut version, but the weak characterization, as mentioned above, may not be able to satisfy the most critical viewers.

Nevertheless, 'Seediq Bale' is a movie full of spirit. The director is most successful in presenting the Seediq way of life. If you have a good command of your bladder and stomach, do watch it, it won't be a disappointment.

On a scale of one to ten, I give it a seven.