TAIPEI: A movie about a romance during the Japanese colonial era is raising hopes of a renaissance in the Taiwan film industry.

"Cape No. 7" tells the story of the romance between a Taiwanese singer and a Japanese publicist who uncover a love affair together through seven love letters.

With some US$7 million box office takings in Taiwan, "Cape No. 7" is already the second top-grossing film in the island's history. It is expected to repeat the success on the mainland, even though its release there has been delayed.

Media reports said authorities there could be uncomfortable with the relationship between Taiwan and Japan as portrayed in the movie.

On a radio show on Wednesday morning, Taiwanese President Ma Ying-Jeou said the movie should not be interpreted politically.

"They have concerns about the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. The mainland needs to learn that Taiwan's historical background is different from theirs. Human nature cannot be erased. We hope the Chinese audience can understand the story from this perspective," said Mr Ma.

Taiwan's Government Information Office (GIO) has downplayed the issue. It said technical problems are the reason for delaying the movie's release on the mainland.

GIO chief Vanessa Shih said: "It seems that the simplified Chinese subtitle is not ready. It takes time for the preparation. We could see how we can help."

The movie's producers have high hopes for "Cape No. 7" which has been selected as the island's official submission for the foreign-language Oscar.

Director of the movie, Wei Te-Sheng, said: "We used to see the world from Taiwan. I want to make a movie that makes the world see Taiwan."

The film has also raised the profiles of Wei, as well as actors Van Fan, Tanaka Chie and Shino Lin, fanning hopes of a revival for Taiwan's film industry which has been in the doldrums for 20 years.


- CNA/so