FORMOSA BETRAYED

FORMOSA BETRAYED has a serious subject: an FBI agent investigates the murder of an American professor born in Taiwan and uncovers a story involving political corruption, Taiwan’s history, and the struggle for democracy. The film clearly condemns communism as tyrannical and presents democracy as the ideal for Taiwan.

But the thriller rarely generates much momentum. Long political discussions fill in decades of history, while the main character mostly goes from person to person asking questions. The few violent scenes are limited in number but portrayed graphically, with much blood, and the film includes one “f” word and other profanity.

Because the movie has some historical and political interest but falls flat as entertainment, watch it at home if you are an adult or older teenager prepared for its content.

In 1983, FBI Agent Jake Kelly is assigned to investigate the murder of an American professor who was born in Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa. What begins as a routine case takes Jake to Taiwan, where local police, government officials, and embassy liaisons try to keep him away from the truth.

As Jake follows the evidence, the investigation draws him into Taiwan’s complicated political history and the growing movement for democracy.

Two stars means this film has a worthwhile subject but does not deliver a satisfying thriller. FORMOSA BETRAYED offers substantial political discussion and explains much of Taiwan’s history, but its slow-moving plot gives the main character very little to do.

Jake mostly asks questions as he moves from person to person. The film’s only action involves assassinations, a riot, and Jake running from the Chinese mafia. The violence is brief but very graphic, and the movie’s historical and political material may require viewers to already understand Taiwan’s history.

FORMOSA BETRAYED presents democracy as the ideal form of government for Taiwan and communism as corrupt and tyrannical. It exposes political corruption and portrays a pro-democracy movement among indigenous Formosan people. The film also criticizes America’s divided loyalty toward China and Taiwan, including the decision not to intervene to keep Taiwan free and democratic.

The movie’s history is described as revisionist. It presents Chinese nationalist forces under Chiang Kai-shek as having killed about 28,000 people who disagreed with his policies after retreating to Formosa, while also emphasizing Mao’s responsibility for the slaughter of 60 to 100 million people in Mainland China. Its criticism of America includes anti-American elements, as Jake comes to blame the United States for befriending both Mao and Chiang Kai-shek.

The film’s political longing is for freedom and justice after corruption and oppression. Scripture calls God’s people to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

FORMOSA BETRAYED takes on a serious history but moves too slowly and gives its central character too little to do. Its graphic violence, profanity, revisionist history, and anti-American elements make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults and older teenagers, WAIT FOR HOME — ADULTS ONLY. Consider these instead.