Huang Chao-liang is one of Taiwan’s most successful directors in recent years. His films, Hanky Panky and The Wonderful Wedding were both huge domestic box office hits. He is known for his artistic portrayal of everyday life in films that are both genuine and emotionally charged. About his new feature Huang says, “Although it is very brutal at times, Han Dan is inspired by a unique and spiritually powerful ceremonial rite from the place I grew up. After six years of fieldwork, based on some true stories in Taitung, I wanted to talk about bullying, poverty, drug-use, policy issues, the urban-rural dichotomy, how human nature is reflected by these social issues, and why these people are willing to endure these painful traditions.”