Taoism: A Question of Balance

Directed by

Jonathan Stedall

In this landmark 1977 documentary, narrator Ronald Eyre journeys to Taiwan to explore the vibrant and complex world of Chinese folk religion. Facilitated by the pioneering team behind ECHO Magazine—Linda Wu (吳美雲), Huang Yong-song (黃永松), and Yao Meng-chia (姚孟嘉) —the film captures a rare and precious glimpse of 1970s Taiwan, a time when ancient spiritual traditions remained deeply woven into the fabric of daily life. From the thunderous temple festivals and the mystical trances of spirit mediums to the quiet ancestral rites in family halls, "A Question of Balance" examines how the pursuit of the "Way" (the Tao) provides a sense of cosmic harmony amidst a modernizing society. It stands as a definitive visual record of a vanishing era, showcasing the enduring power of Taoist belief and its diverse pantheon of deities.