Island Nation

Island Nation (Chinese: 國際橋牌社) is a Taiwanese political drama based on Taiwan's transition from an authoritarian state to a democracy in the 1990s.[1] The series will include 80 episodes over 8 seasons,[2] with the first season premiering on January 20, 2020.[3] The second season, Island Nation 2, debuted on September 12, 2021.[4]

Island Nation
Chinese國際橋牌社
Hanyu PinyinGuójì Qiáopái Shè
Hokkien POJKok‑chè-kiô-pâi-siā
GenreHistorical drama
Political drama
Directed byLin Shi-zhang, Lin Long-yin
StarringAkira Chen
Chia-Kuei Chen
Yuu Chen
Kurt Chou
Johnny Lu
Ricie Fun
Yang Lie
Mario Pu
Chen Jia-kui
An Jun-peng
Country of originTaiwan
Original languagesMandarin
Taiwanese Hokkien
English
No. of episodes20
Production
ProducersWang Yi-xin, Xiong Jiu-shan
Production locationTaipei
Production companyMarktwain Production
Release
Original networkFar EasTone
Public Television Service
Original release20 January 2020 (2020-01-20)

Episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
110January 20, 2020 (2020-01-20)January 20, 2020 (2020-01-20)
210September 12, 2021 (2021-09-12)October 1, 2021 (2021-10-01)

Production

US$2.46 million was spent on the first season, with the Ministry of Culture subsidizing US$0.98 million in production costs.[2] A replica of the Presidential Office Building was built at a Republic of China Navy base in Taoyuan, while the presidential inauguration scene was filmed in the building itself.[2][5]

Casting was a challenge, as several local actors and actresses declined roles in the series, for fear of compromising their ability to work in China.[3]

Critical reception

Cinema Escapist described Island Nation as "one of the most compelling series in Taiwanese entertainment history thus far," noting the contrast to the apolitical stance and self-censorship undertaken by many Taiwanese entertainers in order to access China's media market.[6] The second season of the series was promoted by Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on an Instagram post.[4]

References
  1. Yeh, Chieh-Ting (2021-09-24). "Weaving Fiction With Reality: Interview with Island Nation Producer Isaac Wang". Ketagalan Media. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  2. Yang, Sophia (2019-11-27). "Netflix undecided on whether to air Taiwan's 'House of Cards'". Taiwan News. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  3. Cole, J. Michael (2020-01-17). "Taiwan's Highly Anticipated Historical TV Drama 'Island Nation' to Premiere on 20 January". Taiwan Insight. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  4. Chiang, Stephanie (2021-09-19). "Taiwan president promotes 2nd season of 'Island Nation' series". Taiwan News. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  5. Strong, Matthew (2019-04-20). "Taiwanese 'House of Cards' shoots inside Presidential Office Building". Taiwan News. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
  6. Kao, Anthony (2020-03-19). "With "Island Nation," Taiwan Finally Has A Political Drama". Cinema Escapist. Retrieved 2021-09-29.
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