Taiwan Today

The commercial success of “Monga,” filmed in Taipei’s Wanhua and taking its title from the old Taiwanese name of the district, has stimulated tourism in the area. In four days the flick has grossed NT$75 million (US$2.34 million), beating out all other locally produced movies. Crowds of curious tourists have flocked to the filming locations in Wanhua, revving up the neighborhood economy. Liang-hsi-hao, a food stand shown in the film, reported a quantum leap in sales of its specialty squid broth. Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin invited producer Li Lie and director Niu Cheng-ze back to one of the film’s locations, Bopiliao, at the corner of Kangding Road and Guangzhou Street, to talk about the film Feb. 9. “It is a win-win situation, with the Taipei city government assisting in the shooting, and the film’s success bringing business back to the district,” Hau said, adding that he hopes the smash hit will initiate a renaissance in Taiwan’s movie industry. Meanwhile, Niu expressed his gratitude for the municipal government’s support. “This is the first time we’ve been shown respect while making a film in Taiwan. In the past we could never get permission to shoot, and the police would show up and run us off. We often had to squat on street corners to wolf down our working meals,” Niu said. Soon after the filming of “Monga” was completed, the city government preserved several movie sets, including Bopiliao, for the appreciation of movie buffs. Props and costumes in the film, including a big round dinner table, knives and clubs, and colorful shirts worn by the leading actors, are on display in the house of Geta, head of the gang in the movie. To promote local tourist attractions, the Taipei city government has mapped out a one-day excursion for the public including nine scenes in the movie. The route starts from the Longshan Temple and encompasses a street lauded for its exquisite stone sculptures and woodcarvings, Ai-Men (narrow door), Herb Lane, the night market on Guangzhou Street, Bopiliao, the Zushi Temple, Qingshan Temple and the night market on Huaxi Street, also known as “Snake Alley.” (KP-THN)