Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale

It has already been three weeks or so since I've watched Seediq Bale and like always, I've had this half-written post sitting in my drafts for an equivalent length of time. This has got to be the first film I've seen in theaters presented in Japanese and Seediq with Chinese and English subtitles! The Seediqs are one of the aborigine groups in Taiwan, by the way. Usually, I do not write movie critiques. Actually I do not think this is even considered a movie critique, but I felt compelled to let out some circulating thoughts and images that are just about to cause my head and heart to explode. Slight exaggeration.

Underlying this movie, even in its epic, bloody glory, stands the seemingly overdone plot of a nationalistic-fueled war against unruly oppressors. Sad to say, (or is it?) it is the cliche fend-for-your-honor, gone-with-the-intruders plot, easily recognizable in other movies like Avatar? 300? Go a little further back, Pocahontas? What is sadder is that this type of plot has somehow become dull and "un-epic" because of overuse throughout the years. Not only that, each culture seemed to have adopted its own version of it! I wonder why people watch these movies: the acting? the action? While the general plot is completely predictable, Seediq Bale was yet another striking reminder of the sad historical brutality of imperialism that has at one point or another, made its gruesome mark all. over. this vast land we call earth. In fact, it has been such a prominent issue that people have been able to produce a multitude of movies based on the exact same theme in the context of their own culture. Perhaps some may find it uninteresting and way too predictable, but I think for those who have gone through such oppression, or are somehow well-acquainted with the history of their own kind, a theatrical performance like that of Seediq Bale could potentially speak semi-factually and emotionally on what has been silenced for years. Maybe, just maybe, doing those individuals the slightest justice in a matter that can never actually be reversed or mended.

Though it is heart-wrenching for me to put myself in the shoes of, in this case, the Sadeeqs, I cannot, in reality, fully comprehend the pains of what they have been through (as with other victims of imperialism). As a culturally somewhat confused individual, I do not know what it feels like to love a country, to be loyal to one culture, or to love my whatever "group" to the point of sacrificing myself in some glorious... battle, especially one that ultimately leads to a bloody death. Nationalist pride is somewhat of a foreign concept to me and would probably remain that way for the rest of my life.

Perhaps the one aspect I can identify with more is the internal conflict of one character in the movie. I am not sure where I am going with this, and I do not know whether I can even draw a conclusion, but it was interesting and thought provoking to say the least. This character, by blood a Seediq, but raised as a Japanese, pretty much served as a mediator, by will, between the Japanese military and Seediqs to ease the tension. However, when the uprisings occurred, he was conflicted to the depths of his soul and essentially copped out by killing his wife, his baby boy, and himself. Perhaps I used "cop out" too lightly and had undermined the pain of such internal conflict, but it happened. What was interesting is that he helped the Seediqs in obtaining the weaponry they would need for the battle and even endangered his wife in the process. However, in the end, he committed seppuku, a noble, prideful, yet brutal suicidal method of the Japanese. Talkin' about an identity crises... 

Unfortunately, since it has been almost a month, my initial emotions and thoughts kind of faded, which is why I usually try to seize the moment and spill them out - failed attempt this time around. But I suppose I will share what's left of them in regards to this movie.

I only learned after watching the movie that I had watched the condensed theatrical version of it. It was originally split into two parts, just like Red Cliff (but of course, it's John Woo). Part I is entitled "The Flag of Sun" and Part II, "Crossing the Rainbow", which stood out significantly to me. The rainbow bridge apparently is an important part of the Seediq culture and belief. The bottom line is that the rainbow bridge serves as a connection between life on earth to the heavenly hunting grounds, as the Seediqs are characterized by fearless hunting and decapitating. Yes, you heard me, decapitation was abundant in the movie. The Seediqs had some mind-blowing willingness to sacrifice: loose-loose situation in the fight against the Japanese, the women's unselfish suicides to relieve their husbands and sons of the burden of food and worry... not uncommon I suppose for such a cause. However, what was most gripping for me was when the women who were preparing for mass suicide said "we'll be waiting for you at the other end of the rainbow bridge". Why? They were all sacrificing for a noble cause, I guess, but at the end of the day, there is no rainbow bridge, there is no heavenly hunting grounds, and they will not be reunited with each other after crossing the supposed rainbow bridge. No, as much as I wish it were untrue, their sacrifices were ultimately in vain. That, brought quite some grief. Somehow, this seeming momentary passion, care, and heart break for the lost always manages to dwindle to a fear of man once snapped back into reality. However, the current state of the lost is no different than that of the Seediqs, right? I hope the weightiness I felt when watching the movie would, with the Spirit's empowerment, manifest itself in my interaction with unsaved friends, family, and strangers.

Interestingly enough, I stayed at a "Home stay" (民宿) called "Crossing the Rainbow Bridge" when I visited Taroko Gorge in Taiwan last December and learned of the significance of well, crossing the rainbow bridge, from the owner, who was an aborigine of Tai Lu Ge tribe! The Tai Lu Ge people share many similarities in culture, language, and beliefs with the Seediqs. By the way, I highly recommend this home stay if you ever visit the area. I also have the contact for our taxi-tour guide. He was a superb individual. We also recently bought some green tea grown in Wu She 務社 - only the location of the "Wushe incident" in which the entire "The Flag of Sun" was based on...

Anyway, those were just side ramblings. Like many others, I honestly wouldn't have known about that incident, the Seediqs, or the significance of the rainbow in their context, had it not been for this movie! I do very much prefer the rainbow in a Biblical context though. I hope to watch the movie in its original form, just like red cliff (one of my all-time favorites by the way) - TWO PARTS. Perhaps it would flow better and I would have a much better grasp of the historical background and characters behind it. Holla if you want to join!

Here are some reads on the movie in English or Chinese, the Seediqs, Wushe Incident...
Why yes, by reads, I do mean wikipedia.

I leave you with one of the theme songs I listened to obsessively for a period of time: "Seeing the Rainbow", sung in Seediq. Beautiful, but evidently very sullen as it describes their ancestors summoning them across the rainbow bridge...



Sorry for the un-thought-out post. I suppose it is sufficient for my own future reference though. A bit tired as of late, and with much more important things to digest from the recent Young Adult Network retreat.