Wave Makers (2023– ) User Reviews

Chinese/Taiwanese Democracy in a Capsule: Humorous, Pessimistic, and Striving

[chenweizhetpe · 8/10 · 4 May 2023]

This series fully embodies the spirit of Taiwan as a country where the people are the main focus. I believe that the above statement will cause a great uproar, such as Chinese people saying, "Taiwan is a part of China, not a country." I do not deny the Chinese people's position.

Although the lighting is harsh, the music is a bit too popular, and the humor is exaggerated, the series "Wave makers" showcases the character of Taiwanese people through these flaws. Unlike the conspiracy and intentional murder cases in Korean dramas, this drama is a simple political drama that discusses the behind-the-scenes staff of presidential candidates. Through this, we will see the pain, sadness, and laughter of the staff. They are campaign aides, the makers of waves, the makers of presidents, husbands, granddaughters, and even mistresses.

In the past, some have said that democracy is an invention of Europe and America, not a common heritage of humanity. This film does not discuss the most sensitive issue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait - unification or independence, but it was enough to make China's largest film review website, Douban, stop the comment function for this series. Without comments or ratings, this series will not have too much attention, because a little attention will reveal the noisy atmosphere of this life, where the people have painful struggles, but at the same time, they are free and fresh. Comparing the observation results above to China, this series becomes a troublesome creator, so let's just mute the people directly.

The plot is smooth, the acting is natural, and all the actors are the best in Taiwan. Moreover, you can taste the work style of Taiwanese people without traveling - a bit pessimistic, humorous, competitive, and striving. Highly recommended.

One of the most refreshing Taiwanese shows

[rrr-19906 · 7/10 · 1 May 2023]

It is set under the circustances when China issue (pro-independence/pro-China) is taken out of Taiwanese politics and the other issues become more important. To give a little more context, the most important ideologies in Taiwan is pro-independence or pro-china, not left or right. Though some will say it is less a political show and more a show that centers on themes like gender equity, female/queer experiences in the political field.

The main character Weng-fang is an openly gay politician with a long-term partner. She encountered many obstacles in her political journey being a queer woman. The shows also deals with topics like sexual harrassment at work and sexual/emotional abuse by powerful men, which is mainly portrayed through the character Ya-ching.

It is surprisingly real with lots of nuances, and it is both serious and funny. If you are interested in Taiwansese democracy and culture, you should definitely give it a watch.

I rate it 7/10 because I think overall the details can be improved (cinematography, music). For example, I feel some scenes are too long and can be edited to be more concise. I like it because it's authentic. The dialogues and the code-switching are fun. The topics discussed and the way they were discussed are very refreshing in Taiwanese TV.

an unmissable choice for those seeking to understand Taiwanese politics

[detail-98357 · 8/10 · 13 June 2023]

Upon encountering a Taiwanese television drama respecting elections and domestic politics, I harbored concerns that it might excessively rely on melodrama and deviate from the realities of political operations. Therefore, my expectations for this series were not particularly high, and I intended to sample just one episod.

However, from the very first episode, I could sense the dedication of the production team. They didn't resort to sensationalism or distortions to create a nonexistent political situation. Instead, they approached the topic steadily and authentically by portraying various political maneuvers and events that occur in real political operations, allowing the audience to get closer to the reality of domestic politics.

Furthermore, the team delicately handled many crucial issues in political work, such as the pursuit of ideals and the compromises faced with the realities of power, as well as the conflicts between different political ideologies and styles within political dynasties. They also addressed the issue of maintaining a work-life balance in the face of high workloads during election campaigns or unforeseen political events. These significant issues were not merely touched upon but rather explored and well discussed throughout the entire series.

Finally, the drama also delves into contemporary issues such as workplace harassment, infidelity, and voyeuristic victimization, making it a more comprehensive and more appealing to watch for a wider audience.

This is an unmissable choice for those seeking to understand Taiwanese politics through a television drama.

Best Taiwanese political TV show

[CatLovers38 · 10/10 · 30 April 2023]

As a Taiwanese, I am extremely proud of this show.

We are a very new country where the country was still under martial law just 36 years ago, and now our democracy is fully bloosmed and people can speak freely what's in their mind without worrying their safety. Wave Makers shows the world the energy that democracy has brought to the Taiwanese society, at the same time, perhaps also reminding those politicians, in order to win, after getting the power, have they achieved all the promises they made?

The actors are brilliant, and the story line is captive and make you think about more in terms of how election and politics make a difference to our life.

This is the best Taiwanese show ever, a must see.

Great Show, Why China can't have democracy as Taiwan?

[sunyx-26086 · 10/10 · 1 June 2023]

This Taiwanese TV series is really good to watch, and it touches on many issues that China cannot mention! Such as elections, lgbt topics, democracy, freedom! Why can Taiwan have it, but China can't? Because China has been a centralized system since ancient times, and you must obey the orders of your superiors and cannot resist! In fact, the entry of this drama on Douban in China is taken off the shelves as it should be, which is not particularly surprising! To be honest, the atmosphere in Taiwan is a realm that we in China will never reach! And we don't even have the qualifications to participate in democratic elections to be elected by one person, one vote! And the media is also controlled by the Chinese Communist Party! It can only be said that in comparison, it is really the kind of realm that cannot be reached! Hope to see more dramas like this! When Yajing was sexually harassed, her colleagues could stand up and accuse her! And also defeated his opponent, revealing that he was having an affair with another woman! Lin Yuezhen's prototype is Tsai Ing-wen. Really, the conversation and image of the two people are too similar. He Ronglang is Lai Qingde! It is a really great show which I recommended to everyone!

It should be 8but I prefer 10 finally

[madpanda-75606 · 10/10 · 2 July 2023]

As a Chinese who is living in Mainland China, I really love this series which provide me a different Chinese world.

Unfortunately this show is banned in China and I had to use BT to download it and watch it privately.

The plot is not actually more routine, but it is also very novel for mainland Chinese people, after all, we can't really participate in elections here.

Purely from the point of view of film and television, the most I can give this drama is 8, but considering its political significance, I will give this one 10.

The issues involved in this, such as LGBT, and bureaucratic corruption, are very need to be addressed in the mainland, it is a pity that there is nothing we can do, but envy the Taiwanese at home.

Change

[luboqin · 10/10 · 22 June 2023]

It's hard to imagine such a show, they didn't point out the structural part explicitly, but they have been telling women's stories dutifully, maybe a little old-fashioned revenge. But it's all reproduced by women, those more Close to the actual victim's perspective, "repeatedly open the video website to see if there are any photos of yourself, Let's not forget it like this. Kingmaker? No,Queen maker, these subtle statements really represent changes that can be changed strength. Change is not a world smashed by an axe, but a change of gradual compromise that will wear away the rocks. They are full of compromise and helplessness, but they still seem to be asking themselves "What is your original intention for governing?" What is your original intention? It seems that almost no one here asks this question anymore. We have no strength, no rights, and no voice. To be heard is a gift, so how dare we stand up and question what we believe in? "If you want to know how to really understand yourself, you just run for election." This sentence seems to represent their ability and helplessness. Who would expect a good change in the democratic system? None of us have this kind of confidence. Human beings are full of uncertainties, and the democratic system is so fragile that it is necessary and indispensable to tirelessly question and hear the news and all censorship questions that may have nothing to do with the ultimate goal. But compared to other citizens, it is an adventure for me to even watch it. It relatively shows another possibility. The political education we receive is obedience, acceptance and praise, or how to use policies to come up with countermeasures. But no one seems to want to be a wave maker, but a refugee behind the iron walls of the larger system. Too tired, too tired, no confidence, and no one will be given the heroine's last confidence "I want.... legislator, mayor... who knows?" Who knows? Even this sentence who knows is a luxury, we know what the future will be like, we know, we know clearly. This is the most melancholy and sad place.

Remarkable

[psymart · 21 May 2023]

I just watched the first episode of this series, and paused before watching the second to read reviews and, now, to write this. I think the show is remarkable--for the script, the acting, and the pace of action and dialogue. The naturalness of the performances, all of them, struck me, as did the surprising shifts in rhythm, as so-called "storylines" are introduced. The nitty-gritty of politics in this moment of instant communication is represented in an almost thrilling way. So too are the tactics and strategies of political calculation. As another reviewer said, people and ideas and interactions are brought on so thick and fast that it's hard to adjust to-but that's just one of the things I found admirable about the direction and photography, not to mention the script. After watching a day in life of a main character, I was exhausted when she got home!

I guess it was okay for a political series.

[kmhlbeavis · 8/10 · 26 May 2023]

This is a program that brings you behind the scenes of what it takes to get a political candidate voted to office. The guy is soft and no backbone, but the lady is strong minded and determined. The rest of the cast was okay. They kind of looked alike especially the women but I am not complaining as they are very attractive. I wonder though if China would get offended by this type of program. They should realize that it's just entertainment. Any way not really much to say as it was only 8 episodes I believe and that was the best part. They were able to complete an entire story without stretching it unnecessarily. This is what a good series should be like short and to the point.

They're not just wave makers, they're waves too.

[SeeUspaceCowgirl · 9/10 · 25 June 2023]

They're not just wavemakers, they're waves too

I can only say that Taiwanese people are really good at filming TV series, and they talked about some very sensitive topics in China: homosexuality, sexual harassment, feminist topics and so on. Talking about feminist topics on the Chinese social platform Weibo will be restricted and banned.

In a country where even Instagram and Twitter have to be connected to a VPN to use it, I can't say anything. Some people also say that it is a firewall set up to protect foreign talents, don't you think it's funny? Firewall against ourselves? The purpose of the firewall is to prevent the Chinese from receiving this kind of information.

(But there are some scenes in the play that make me uncomfortable, and I don't think it is necessary to appear at all. It is some scenes about sex in the office of the cheating man.)

Some things can't be said

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 12 May 2023]

An interesting political drama where we see a team behind a female presidential candidate working hard to get her elected. The campaign team includes strong female leads Ying-Hsuan Hsieh and Gingle Wan, with the latter having a dark secret concerning the male opposition candidate. It gives an insight into the workings of a Taiwanese election and the plot at times can be a little slow with the minor stories taking up time and going nowhere. The series definitely puts across the busy and creative side of an office deciding what should and should not be done in the best interest of their candidate. Overall a well acted drama but I would have liked more depth and development of characters.

Let's not forget it.

[sulli-62462 · 10/10 · 24 July 2023]

This is a very, very great drama that created the wave of me too in Taiwan. I often cry when I watch this drama because in it I see the epitome of every woman who has been sexually harassed but doesn't dare to speak out, and I see how difficult it is for women to work in the workplace. This drama portrays women's life in the workplace from a political point of view, which is very new. The director and scriptwriter are very good, and the whole plot of the drama is compelling. The lead actress is also a very experienced woman, I like her drama very much, and the women's support in the drama is also very touching, it is worth recommending. The me too wave in Taiwan after this drama is also very touching, a good drama brings about changes in the reality of the society, this is one aspect that makes me even more touched.

Not sure if people outside Taiwan (or outside Asia) can enjoy this

[plupu66 · 3/10 · 15 May 2023]

First of all I am a Canadian, and I don't speak Mandarin (nor Cantonese). I saw all the great ratings and I gave it a try on Netflix. I was expecting some sort of Taiwanese "Borgen". (I don't speak Danish but I was fine with the subtitles in Borgen.) I watched the first episode of Wave Makers and I was overwhelmed by the speed at which they were talking and, in spite of my best efforts, I could not read more than half the subtitles. Then, the abundance of names - tens of them just in the first 15-20 minutes - that pretty much sounded the same to me. Then the abundance of characters that also looked very similar to me - most women, for instance - were 20-25 years old extremely "cute", similarly dressed and looked like sisters to me.

Sorry, I had to give up.

I understand that a person from Taiwan (or that area in general) may not have my problem may have enjoyed the film , but I had to share my experience.

Let's not just let this go, OK?

[BunnyBabryna · 10/10 · 17 September 2023]

Can we not just let things go? Can we not just let go of sexual harassment? Can we not just let go of discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community? Can we not just let go of fathers' lack of responsibility at home? Can we not just let go of governments' lacking in transparency and credibility? It's the gradual tolerance and concessions that make us feel less and less like individuals. This TV series has sounded an alarm for everyone, emphasizing that it's essential to "care" and be genuine to find meaning in life. Ironically, Taiwan can make a TV series about politics, while on the China mainland, even the freedom to comment on this TV series is absent. We are grateful to Taiwan for presenting us with excellent, profound works like this.

No wonder it's heat in local

[beninsports-39379 · 9/10 · 19 August 2023]

I leave critics over all movies and tv series in douban. Since this show is banned in China mainland, i will rate here. The show is rated 9. It's not about complex political competition. It's about ideally human rights advocates, LGBT + METOO campaign and self pursuit to own dreams as normal being. Also the plots and the campaign scenes are at best close to real. I love taiwan series and am amazed by their new developments these years. I had not been to taiwan and long for a chance to make a tour. The social culture and atmosphere is close to mainland and leading+open while reviving from preserved tradition.