I appreciate how The Embers, directed by Chung Mong-Hong, approaches the White Terror with a broader perspective. It integrates contrasts, such as comparing the Red Shirt Army's anti-Chen movement to emphasize the many ways "right and wrong" can be understood. This parallels Jin Shijie's statement on faith, suggesting how people unknowingly become part of the Lucifer Effect in political situations. The film clearly shows that the White Terror impacted not only Minnan people but also Mainlanders, who suffered under political persecution. The White Terror serves as a backdrop rather than the main plot, positioning The Embers more like a calm crime drama. The storytelling is reminiscent of an ARG, requiring viewers to sync with its "frequency." Jin Shijie steals the show with his performance, delivering powerful emotions with a single look, true to Chung's signature aesthetic and visual storytelling.
Review of Yu Jin
