Film Lens
Stone Dream (2004) is a Taiwanese documentary directed by Hu Tai-li that focuses on Liu Pi-chia, a soldier who migrated to Taiwan with the Nationalist government in the 1940s. The film chronicles Liu's life, particularly his involvement with the eastern development brigade, which aimed to reclaim riverbank areas for agriculture. This narrative is enriched by Liu's earlier portrayal in the 1967 film Liu Pi-chia by Chen Yao-chi, considered Taiwan's first realist film.
The documentary uses first-person narration to present the experiences of veterans from Mainland China who settled in Hualien. It examines themes such as father-son relationships, cultural identity, and the interactions between Han people and indigenous groups. The film captures the bond between Liu Pi-chia and his stepson A-Xing, highlighting their shared experiences and the significance of rose stones as a symbol of their connection and heritage.
Why Watch
- •Meet Liu Pi-chia, a soldier from the 1940s Nationalist government.
- •Find out about the eastern development brigade's agricultural efforts.
- •See the interactions between Liu and his stepson A-Xing.
Did You Know
•Liu Pi-chia was a soldier who came to Taiwan in the 1940s.
•The film Liu Pi-chia was directed by Chen Yao-chi in 1967.
•Hu Tai-li began filming Liu Pi-chia in 1999 and completed the documentary in 2004.
•The documentary has been featured in multiple film festivals, including the 2004 International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam.
Perfect For
Taiwanese historyVeteran storiesCultural identity