SEQALU: Formosa 1867 Season 1, Episode 3: The Backlands

The Sea Wind

While navigating the seas of Liangkiau, in the southern end of Taiwan, in spring 1867, the American merchant ship "Rover" struck a coral reef and capsized. As they entered a sacred territory, fourteen American sailors were killed by local Taiwanese tribes. In a land torn by power struggles, this incident will lead Tokitok, Chief of the Liangkiau 18 Community, to confront new challenges.

51 min

The Blue-Eyes

Charles W. Le Gendre, the American consul at Amoy and Formosa, travels to Taiwan to investigate the "Rover incident." He discovers, to his surprise, that Liangkiau does not fall within the jurisdiction of the Qing government. Meanwhile, Tiap-moe, a young woman working for the British merchant William A. Pickering in Taiwanfu, makes her best effort to repatriate her brother to the city.

53 min

The Servant

After many false leads, Charles and his group finally reach the shipwreck site and discover the remains of the sailors lying on the shore. The arrival of foreigners creates tensions within the local communities, and Chieftain Tokitok faces the rebellion of his Deputy Chief, Isa.

53 min

The Feud

The U.S. Navy becomes formally involved in the "Rover incident" as American soldiers land in Liangkiau for a punitive expedition. Facing an inevitable war, the people of Seqalu place their destiny in the hands of the spirits that protect their land. Tiap-moe and her brother continue their quest for identity.

48 min

The Rebellion

The battle continues in the Seqalu nation and threatens to increase in intensity when troops of the Qing government face the indigenous people. Tokitok's daughter, Umi, steps in and tries to play the role of mediator between her tribe and local communities.

52 min

Episode 7

52 min

Episode 8

54 min

Episode 9

52 min

Episode 10

54 min

Episode 11

52 min

Episode 12

54 min