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Taiwanese Soldiers Documentary Premieres in Taichung, Moving Audiences with 'Grandfather Warriors' Fiery Youth

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A documentary titled "Taiwanese Soldiers: East longitude 120-135, Fiery Youth" premiered in Taichung, Taiwan.
  • The film details the experiences of Taiwanese youths conscripted into the Japanese army during the Pacific War, with many fighting and dying in battles like Peleliu.
  • Attendees expressed deep emotion, emphasizing the importance of remembering these soldiers' struggles and sacrifices, with one critic lamenting the lack of mention of their service during a recent diplomatic visit to Palau.

A documentary shedding light on the forgotten sacrifices of Taiwanese soldiers in World War II premiered in Taichung, drawing an emotional response from over a hundred attendees. "Taiwanese Soldiers: East longitude 120-135, Fiery Youth" chronicles the wartime experiences of young Taiwanese men conscripted into the Japanese Imperial Army.

The grandfather warriors struggled to survive in the cracks of the era and should not be forgotten.

— AttendeeReflecting on the experiences of Taiwanese soldiers during the Pacific War.

Director Yu Yi-chih spent ten years researching and preparing the film, which documents the harsh realities faced by these soldiers on battlefields like Peleliu. Following the screening, many viewers were moved to tears, describing the soldiers as "grandfather warriors" who fought for survival in a difficult era and should not be forgotten.

Organizers highlighted that many in Taiwan are unaware of the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Taiwanese soldiers, particularly in campaigns like the Burma campaign. They stressed the importance of understanding this history, especially as language and cultural heritage transmission is lost across generations.

Taiwanese people usually only know about 'General Sun Liren' and the elephant Lin Wang in World War II, but don't know about the sacrifices of Taiwanese soldiers in the Burma campaign, and don't know that generation's memory.

— Lin Fang-ruExplaining the lack of public awareness about Taiwanese soldiers' wartime experiences.

One notable point of contention raised was the recent visit by Taiwan's Vice President to Palau. A representative from the association supporting Taiwanese veterans expressed disappointment that the Vice President's speech did not mention the Taiwanese soldiers who fought and died on Peleliu, a key battleground. This omission was seen as a missed opportunity to deepen bilateral ties and acknowledge the historical presence of Taiwanese soldiers in the region.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim led a delegation to visit allied nations in Palau last month (June 6-10). Her speech did not mention 'Taiwanese soldiers who fought there.' It is a pity that the speech content could not deepen the friendship between the two countries.

— Dr. Chu Chia-huangExpressing regret over the Vice President's remarks during a visit to Palau.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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