With the rise of cinema in the 20th century, film became an essential medium for mass communication and entertainment. Meanwhile, literature, as a classical art form deeply tied to memory, began to intersect with film, creating new perspectives and artistic interpretations in contemporary society.
Taiwan was introduced to the invention and rise of cinema during the era of Japanese rule. By the post-war era, Taiwanese filmmakers began experimenting with local language, leading to a golden age of Taiwanese-language films. In the 1960s, Chiung Yao's romantic storytelling created a fairy-tale kingdom of love, sparking the popularity of “Three-hall” genre movies. By the 1970s, martial arts novels were adapted into blockbuster films, fueling a cross-strait rivalry between Taiwanese and Hong Kong cinema. The 1980s saw the rise of the Taiwan New Cinema (Taiwan New Wave) movement, pioneering new cinematic forms and narrative styles. Literary works such as Chu Tien-wen's Growing Up, Huang Chun-Ming's The Sandwich Man, Pai Hsien-yung's Jade Love, and Liao Hui-Ying's Rapeseed were adapted into films and television. Many works that centered on youth and female coming-of-age themes were also adapted, a trend that continues to this day. These include A Boy Named Flora A, The Making of an Ordinary Woman, and The Magician on the Skywalk.
In the early days, literary adaptations in Taiwanese film and television largely remained faithful to their original texts. However, with advancements in filmmaking technology and the expansion of global streaming platforms into Taiwan, a new era of literary adaptations has arrived. Contemporary adaptations have not only subverted traditional adaptation structures and styles but also dug into Taiwan's rich literary heritage to develop IP prototypes. These adaptations blend bold creative elements with the core essence of the original works, all while retaining local cultural characteristics and staying true to everyday life. These have become key factors in attracting audiences and expanding Taiwan's presence in the international market.
In an era where streaming is king, how has Taiwanese literature evolved alongside film and television adaptations? What shifts and defining characteristics can be seen? Let us explore the rise of literary adaptations in Taiwan and trace how literature and visual storytelling have crossed paths across different phases of history to spark creative innovation
Further information：Rewriting the Script: Unexpected Twists in Taiwan Literature and Screen Media
