The passion behind Monga

Loved it. Gangster movie set in Wanhua District (萬華) in 80s. Solid story, very commercial (but not in a bad sense at all), fast pace, not the usual art-house stuff from Tsai Ming Liang or Hou Hsiao Hsien. Obviously the gangster theme is easier to flatter. Had to say for a 2.5hr movie, there wasnt too many boring moments, the asethetic was grt (excellent recreation/interpretation of TW in the 80s, not just the sets/props but the "colors" of the movie), plus solid acting from the young actors, and excellent performance from the seasoned ones.

But its the passion that came through the behind the scene shots that touched me. How the Director (Niu Cheng Ze) and Producer (Lie Lee) tried to make sth under tight budget (less than NT$10m, hard to believe though?!), and how they want to nurture local audience, bring people back to cinemas, avoid the complete dominance of Hollywood (which I knew from my cableTV work in TW before). They "refuse to believe that Taiwan is incapable of making an entertaining commercial movie." They wanted to set a standard, and create a "system" for TW movie industy. That's more than just personal glory - its the drive behind a broader goal - and I think they are well on track to achieve that.

While HK movie industry is years ahead of TW in terms of its "system", most industry practitioners still complain about the lack of discipline and govt support vs. Hollywood, from financing to shooting support to education. Somehow, I heard the complaints in HK, but not so much the passion? Or, everyone's been working so hard at it, struggling for so long in HK, that its hard to sustain the pasion anymore?

Also interesting to read that Taiwan Film Commission gave NT$4m to sponsor the production, and help location shooting. In turn, the entire movie was made in Taipei, and the movie director joined Taipei mayor to promote a tour package featuring a number of the filming locations for Monga, including 剝皮寮, 龍山寺, etc. With the success at box office, the company will get NT$40m for the next production - apparently any movie that gross over NT$50m gets grants of 20% of that towards the next movie (sth done in France's movie industy as well by CNC).

So, HK, pls catch up!