| Compiled by Martin Williams | |
 | Chaotic Ana
Director Julio Medem, best known for his 2001 hit Sex and Lucia, creates another story that lives up to its title. Cave-raised Ana (Manuela Velles) is a young artist who accepts an offer to move to Madrid and join a commune. She then suffers mental problems after being attracted to a young painter, and is diagnosed by a hypnotist as channeling the oppression of women through the ages - which she then relives, climaxing in a messy scene that will enrage US neo-cons. Stylish, confusing and deeply personal, of all the films bravely opening against Indiana Jones this week, this is the one that screams "anti-Hollywood." |
 | Kids
The concept for this Japanese film is quite grim, even if the treatment is more upbeat. A strange youth has the power to transport injuries between bodies, including his own. He makes friends with another boy, a victim of domestic abuse, and the pair set about healing their friends and acquaintances by moving their wounds to the latter's despised father, now hospitalized. A sequel of sorts to last year's Calling You, this is based on the book by Otsu-ichi, which is part of a series exploring friendship. |
 | Art of the Devil 3
Drill-to-the-head torture and tongue-cutting on the big screen amid voodoo babble? Ah, it must be the Art of the Devil franchise from Thailand, ready to disgust all over again. Napakpapha Nakprasitte returns in this hit prequel as the schoolteacher from hell who wreaks bodily disaster on anyone standing in her way, with a little help from black magic of the grisliest kind. Unfortunately, her lust for vengeance seems to have extended to the film's official Web site, which is offline. Original Thai title: Long Khong 2. |
 | Gone for a Dance
In this Belgian film, a college professor relates the story of three men who devote themselves to their passion for dance at a cost to their personal lives. Humorous, romantic and filled with dance sequences, this French-language film has yet to make it to English-language markets. Stars Cecile de France (Haute Tension, Around the World in 80 Days) and veteran actor Jean-Pierre Cassel. |
 | Raging Inferno
This is trumpeted in local ads as a film released in the US and Germany by Warner Bros. But don't let the grindhouse-distributor hype or the extra theater bookings in Taipei and Taichung fool you; it's actually a German TV movie called Inferno: Das Flammen uber Berlin dressed up for theatrical release. Set in a modern-looking tower that is engulfed by flames, it stars Silke Bodenbender, which can't be a bad thing. Starts tomorrow. |
Following the shock complete failure of all the recall votes against Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers on July 26, pan-blue supporters and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) were giddy with victory. A notable exception was KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫), who knew better. At a press conference on July 29, he bowed deeply in gratitude to the voters and said the recalls were “not about which party won or lost, but were a great victory for the Taiwanese voters.” The entire recall process was a disaster for both the KMT and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The only bright spot for
Aug. 11 to Aug. 17 Those who never heard of architect Hsiu Tse-lan (修澤蘭) must have seen her work — on the reverse of the NT$100 bill is the Yangmingshan Zhongshan Hall (陽明山中山樓). Then-president Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石) reportedly hand-picked her for the job and gave her just 13 months to complete it in time for the centennial of Republic of China founder Sun Yat-sen’s birth on Nov. 12, 1966. Another landmark project is Garden City (花園新城) in New Taipei City’s Sindian District (新店) — Taiwan’s first mountainside planned community, which Hsiu initiated in 1968. She was involved in every stage, from selecting
As last month dawned, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was in a good position. The recall campaigns had strong momentum, polling showed many Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers at risk of recall and even the KMT was bracing for losing seats while facing a tsunami of voter fraud investigations. Polling pointed to some of the recalls being a lock for victory. Though in most districts the majority was against recalling their lawmaker, among voters “definitely” planning to vote, there were double-digit margins in favor of recall in at least five districts, with three districts near or above 20 percent in
The great number of islands that make up the Penghu archipelago make it a fascinating place to come back and explore again and again. On your next trip to Penghu, why not get off the beaten path and explore a lesser-traveled outlying island? Jibei Island (吉貝嶼) in Baisha Township (白沙鄉) is a popular destination for its long white sand beach and water activities. However, three other permanently inhabited islands in the township put a unique spin on the traditional Penghu charm, making them great destinations for the curious tourist: Yuanbeiyu (員貝嶼), Niaoyu (鳥嶼) and Dacangyu (大倉嶼). YUANBEIYU Citou Wharf (岐頭碼頭) connects the mainland
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