Formosa
The production team originally intended to film the movie in Taiwan, where the story is set, but ultimately settled on Thailand thanks to their already existing film friendly infrastructure. The producers also had concerns about recreating politically charged moments in Taiwan's history in public areas.,The 24 hour unshaven look worn by James Van Der Beek was not in existence in the film setting of 1983. It was considered dirty and untidy, and unless undercover no FBI agency would have allowed an agent to appear unshaved.,Susan Kane: You have no authority here. This is Taiwan! And in case you haven't noticed, I'm the only thing connecting you to your natural born rights.,I had to hang with the film for a while before it started to pay off. Until then, it sort of felt like a well-funded political action thriller directed and constructed somewhat less than professionally.

In the end, you could do worse if you dig political action. But lapses in narrative work and character development prevent me from calling this a truly fine film.

I live in Taiwan. I have to say that the film rather does succeed in putting some faces and blood and sweat and tears behind the bits of history that I've learned since I came here.

If you're thinking of renting it, I'd recommend at least a quick peruse of some online materials related to Taiwan in the post-War period, up to the time depicted (the '80s).,