Formosa Betrayed

Critics Consensus

Though the real-life drama it was inspired by could certainly form the basis for a worthwhile political action thriller, Formosa Betrayed isn't it.

34%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 29

55%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 434
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Movie Info

An FBI agent investigating the murder of a Taiwanese-American professor becomes caught up in a vast international conspiracy while aiding the Taiwanese government in catching the killer. The murder took place in the U.S., but in order to investigate, Agent Jake Kelly (James Van Der Beek) will travel to Taiwan. Once there, he is partnered with American diplomat Susan Kane (Wendy Crewson) and Taiwanese official Kuo (Tzi Ma). From the moment Agent Kelly arrives on the island formerly known as Formosa, he is constantly reminded of his status as an outsider. Aided in his investigation by Taiwanese activist Ming (Will Tiao), Agent Kelly gradually uncovers a complex web of intrigue involving not only the Chinese mafia and the U.S. State Department, but the Republic of China as well.

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Cast

James Van Der Beek
as Jake Kelly
John Heard
as Tom Braxton
Tzi Ma
as Kuo
Leslie Hope
as Lisa Gilbert
Wendy Crewson
as Susan Kane
Will Tiao
as Ming
Kenneth Tsang
as General Tse
Chelcie Ross
as Daltry
Mintita Wattanakul
as Maysing
Adam Wang
as James Lee
Nirut Sirichanya
as Dr. Huang
Tom Jay Jones
as Captain Chen
Ted Boonthanakit
as Chief Loh
Pathomporn Tempark
as Ming's Wife
Napatcha Suthimaithee
as Ming's Daughter
Tonray Ho
as Mrs. Wen
Joseph Forunda
as Henry Wen
Tim Grimm
as Dean Goodman
Jason Wells
as Motel Manager
John Marengo
as American Businessman
Peggy Roeder
as Coroner
Mary Beth Fisher
as Neighbor
Attapol Klabob
as Driver
Tanada Amornpiyalerk
as Hotel Desk Clerk
Wallop Thearathong
as Old Man in Diner
Charlie Ruedpokanon
as Translator
Yi-Ho Su
as Protest Leader
Weera Lertsombath
as Military Police #1
Kittipong Subthawonpang
as Military Police #2
Henry Chu
as David Wu
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Critic Reviews for Formosa Betrayed

All Critics (29) | Top Critics (17)

View All Critic Reviews (29)

Audience Reviews for Formosa Betrayed

  • Jul 28, 2012
    Based on a real-life political event, it's à la James Bond flick that's quite passable. While, at times, it evidently got beyond real, that particular aspect at least didn't manage to irritate me as much as it happened to be the case with some other movies of its genre recently. Find that a bit odd because it lacked credible performances.
    familiar s Super Reviewer
  • May 18, 2012
    full of facts and interesting film quite a surprise considering james van der beek's presence. the film is well shot and well acted but the overall story is a little thin. you may get a little confused with all the politics but overall its a passable thriller that is above average
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Dec 24, 2011
    A bit of a mixed bag in that it has the makings for a smart political thriller, but manages only to be an interesting history lesson, and never particularly thrilling. The acting is okay overall, especially in the face of some obvious script decencies. The set pieces and world building were impressive, the Taiwan in this film feels real and gritty, something many films set abroad lack. The geopolitical backdrop is much more interesting than the actual plot line itself, but all in all a serviceable mystery/thriller.
    Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
  • Mar 06, 2011
    For a documentary, it has good action and moves along VERY well -- I question why the good-looking actors do not shave -- he would've looked soooo much better clean-shaven -- But I loved the movie -- Happy ending
    Tom E Super Reviewer
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