This documentary shines a light on the spirit and resilience of Taiwan's democracy in the face of an escalating military threat from China. The central focus is Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen who was elected in 2016. The filmmaker had good access to Tsai and conducted several interviews with her over the period from 2016 to 2022. Tsai admits she was a shy child, but she really is a quiet achiever. She has resolutely upheld Taiwan's sovereignty and helped to strengthen Taiwan's support from the international community while China has simultaneously exerted military and diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan.
Taiwan is shown as a nation that values democracy, peace and pluralism, a sharp contrast to its bullying neighbour which threatens Taiwan with violence. A number of key figures in Tsai's government were also interviewed including foreign minister, Joseph Wu, and former representative to the USA, Hsiao Bi-khim. They are Taiwan's greatest and most tireless advocates and have been key to the success of Tsai's efforts to raise Taiwan's international support.
The documentary would have benefited from including more voices from Taiwan's younger generations. They are, after all, Taiwan's future. Overall, Invisible Nation presents a clear narrative of Taiwan maintaining its democracy in difficult circumstances. At a time when democracy around the world is under pressure Taiwan shows the value of democracy, but that democracy cannot survive without the world's support.
