Have you ever heard of Pili puppet show? Strange name, isn’t it? It’s named “Pili” because every episode has “pili” in its title. This folk-art form is performed by many kinds of puppets - some of them are cool, some intelligent, and some funny. Unlike traditional puppet shows, Pili puppet show uses state-of-the-art animation to help present its fighting art. The delicate design of the appearance and characteristics of each puppet has made Pili puppet show a well-known entertainment act in Taiwan.

Every time a new episode is released in the retail market, Pili puppet show lovers snap them up, especially males around 20-34 years of age. The characters, their personalities, even their favorite expressions are known to almost all throughout the island. Politicians like to compare themselves to the most chivalrous heroes in Pili puppet shows, fighting the forces of evil. In addition, this art has won many honorable titles such as 2005 Golden Bell Award in Taiwan.

Legendary characters

Pili puppet shows are made by Pili International Multimedia. The company churns out two new episodes of its immensely popular TV series per week to keep up with demand. In 2000, the Pili movie Legend of the Sacred Stone was released on DVD. In February 2006, a company called Animation Collective created an edited version of Pili, called Wulin Warriors, broadcast on the channel of Cartoon Network. Many characters are portrayed vividly in these works and some of them are worth mentioning.

Su Huan Zhen

As a leading actor, he is gentle, handsome, superhuman, clever and merciful. He is always concerned about others and enjoys himself only after everyone else has found enjoyment That doesn’t mean he has no shortcomings. Actually his personality represents many leaders’, who can be a little bit selfish and cruel behind justice. He is also an excellent speechmaker - he will plea for the public’s forgiveness with tears and criticize the enemies with principles of morality. His capability in dealing with interpersonal relationships is also amazing – he can persuade without any effort others to sacrifice for his cause.

Yi Ye Shu

He is another superhuman actor, also named Fan Tian. He is the incarnation of justice and selflessness, helping Su Huan Zhen to save society from evil. The eminent monk abhors evil as a deadly foe and is never soft on them.

Ye Xiao Chai

He is a long-haired and scar-faced man. This, combined with his dumbness, makes him cool and intriguing. He gains rich life experience and is a man of humble origins, adept in martial arts and with a strong sense of justice always ready to help the weak.

Luan Shi Kuang Dao

He is hot and chaotic, with a disposition for doing good and fostering justice. He loves his wife Mu Rong Chan deeply, willing to make any sacrifice for her. Later, he is appointed as the Successor to Taoism.