The film follows the director, Behuy Masao, revealing the origin and history of his native people, the Topa. The documentary is not only about the history and origins of the Topa/Talay tribe but also their struggles and resistance during the Japanese occupation. The documentary uses animation and historical footage along with testimony by the descendants.
The film draws you in, especially the testimonies by Topa descendants. Animation helps illustrate historical events. The camera work is clear; the aerial shots of the historical sites allow viewers a look at the Tapo native land and untouched areas of Taiwan. The last Topa war chief, Watan Syat, was the main leader of Topa resistance to Japanese occupation and is featured in the film. I found the interview segments the best parts of the film, as those who are interviewed are either Topa descendants or experts in Topa history. Their participation made me more invested in the documentary. For example, Tomi Tanga, a granddaughter of Watan Syat, narrates her family history, and reveals details about how the events shaped her family until today.
The film takes place in Taiwan, with scenes of the Tapo homeland, historical sites and the natural scenery such as the Topa river in the Sanxia district, New Taipei and other places. The background music adds to the immersion process. In one scene, a traditional Tayal oral song is played featuring a Tayal singer as we visit the Shayan Terrace, which is the original site of the Topa people - and the sacred mountain Papak Waqa, known as Mt. Dabajian.
The importance of the film is in showing how important indigenous culture and traditions are, and that we should fight to preserve them. Note that it does contain graphic acts of violence. There are animated scenes showing warfare and death.
I give Rekindling the Embers: The Topa War, 1900-1907 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Note that this is a special interest topic about indigenous people of the far east.
By Oyebisola O., KIDS FIRST!
The film follows the director, Behuy Masao, revealing the origin and history of his native people, the Topa. The documentary is not only about the history and origins of the Topa/Talay tribe but also their struggles and resistance during the Japanese occupation. The documentary uses animation and historical footage along with testimony by the descendants.
The film draws you in, especially the testimonies by Topa descendants. Animation helps illustrate historical events. The camera work is clear; the aerial shots of the historical sites allow viewers a look at the Tapo native land and untouched areas of Taiwan. The last Topa war chief, Watan Syat, was the main leader of Topa resistance to Japanese occupation and is featured in the film. I found the interview segments the best parts of the film, as those who are interviewed are either Topa descendants or experts in Topa history. Their participation made me more invested in the documentary. For example, Tomi Tanga, a granddaughter of Watan Syat, narrates her family history, and reveals details about how the events shaped her family until today.
The film takes place in Taiwan, with scenes of the Tapo homeland, historical sites and the natural scenery such as the Topa river in the Sanxia district, New Taipei and other places. The background music adds to the immersion process. In one scene, a traditional Tayal oral song is played featuring a Tayal singer as we visit the Shayan Terrace, which is the original site of the Topa people - and the sacred mountain Papak Waqa, known as Mt. Dabajian.
The importance of the film is in showing how important indigenous culture and traditions are, and that we should fight to preserve them. Note that it does contain graphic acts of violence. There are animated scenes showing warfare and death.
I give Rekindling the Embers: The Topa War, 1900-1907 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Note that this is a special interest topic about indigenous people of the far east.
By Oyebisola O., KIDS FIRST!
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