Watch The Rice Bomber

The Rice Bomber is a drama film based on a true story that chronicles the events of a string of bombings that occurred in Taiwan between 2003 and 2004. The movie stars Jag Huang as Yang Rumen, the protagonist who takes on the role of the infamous "Rice Bomber." The movie also stars Nikki Hsieh as Chen Yanrong and Michael Chang as Laio Tianping, two reporters who are tasked with uncovering the identity of the bomber.

The movie is set in the early 2000s when Taiwan is undergoing a period of political turmoil. The government is rife with corruption, and people are protesting in the streets for change. It is amidst this backdrop that the bombings begin. The bombs are small and relatively harmless, but they cause fear and panic among the Taiwanese people.

Yang Rumen is a rice farmer who lives in the countryside with his wife and children. He is a man who has grown disillusioned with the government's policies and the way they treat farmers. After watching a news conference where the government officials speak badly about farmers, Rumen decides that he's had enough. He wants to do something to make a difference, and he decides to start making bombs and targeting government buildings.

The Rice Bomber is a slow-burning movie, focusing on Yang Rumen's motivations and inner turmoil. Huang gives a powerful performance as Rumen, portraying a man who is fighting against an unfair system. He is not portrayed as a violent or crazy person but rather as a man who has become desperate in the face of injustice. The movie does well in creating a sense of unease and tension that grows throughout the film.

At the same time, the movie also shows the perspective of the authorities and the public. Chen Yanrong and Liao Tianping are journalists working for different news outlets who are tasked with reporting on the bombings. They represent the public and their reactions are calculated, carefully measured, and contrast the emotionality of Yang Rumen's own perspective. The reporters' work, including on-site reporting and interviews with Rumen's friends and neighbors, are presented in a manner that transitions well between the frustration and fear of the bombs.

There are many standout moments in the movie, including a scene where Rumen rides his bicycle around town, dropping bombs off at government buildings. The tension in this scene builds as the audience is unsure of the outcome. We see the fear on people's faces, and it creates a sense of unease and discomfort.

Overall, The Rice Bomber is a movie that speaks to the power of creating change in the face of adversity. It's a movie about a man who felt powerless in a corrupt system and decided to take matters into his own hands. The movie is compelling and well-done, featuring strong performances from the main cast. It's definitely a movie worth checking out.

The Rice Bomber is a 2014 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.