Taiwan’s Agent from Above Hits Netflix

Taiwanese Cyberpunk

Based on the classic novel by Taiwanese author Teensy, Agent from Above follows protagonist Han Chieh (played by Kai Ko). To atone for a childhood mistake, he acts as a spirit medium—the earthly vessel for the rebellious martial deity Nezha, the Third Prince (San Taizi, played by Wang Po-chieh). Han’s mission is to resolve thorny supernatural cases and deal with wandering spirits trapped in the human realm. Crafted with international production standards, this blockbuster series has already stunned audiences with its trailer, which features a visceral spectacle of surging purple-black magic light and explosive flames.

Director Kuan Wei-chieh notes his pleasant surprise at the public’s use of “Taiwanese Cyberpunk” to describe the show. Typically, cyberpunk evokes a “high tech, low life” ethos, complete with neon lights, urban decay, and hybrid cultures. However, the production team did not set out to imitate Western sci-fi; rather, they turned their gaze inward to draw on Taiwan’s own urban landscape.

In the universe of Agent from Above, the underworld is no longer the spooky realm of traditional folklore, nor is it a digital matrix from a sci-fi flick. Instead, it incorporates the layered, desolate architecture of old apartment buildings alongside the neon signs and temple arches seen on any Taiwanese street. “Our goal is to enable the audience to realize that this space isn’t based on a fantasy borrowed from elsewhere, but something that grew organically from the soil of Taiwan,” Kuan explains.

This aesthetic goes beyond mere visual layering; it is a profound translation of local culture. For instance, traditional ang-á-phiau (retro Taiwanese round paper cards with images on them, or pogs) are reimagined as exorcism tools used to summon the Third Prince’s divine weapons. This clever adaptation not only echoes the combative nature of the classic childhood “flicking” game played with these cards but also injects a rebellious, stylish, and highly modern flair.

 The fantastical world of Agent from Above relies on a highly sophisticated integration of practical and digital elements, boasting over 3,200 VFX shots. Rather than relying on post-production fixes, the crew rigorously coordinated all teams during pre-production to ensure seamless transitions between magical effects and stunt choreography, making the fiery combat scenes look incredibly real. Visual effects supervisor Tomi Kuo explains that every VFX design concept was the result of intense collaboration and brainstorming across all departments—from the producers and director to cinematography, art direction, styling, and action choreography. “The series encompasses almost every type of VFX application, making it a remarkably comprehensive integration,” Kuo notes.

The Third Prince’s spirit medium (Kai Ko, right) engages in a fierce duel with the Divine Dragon Prince (Kuo Tzu-chien, left).

Chen Yi-wen doesn’t view his character as a simple villain; he hopes the clashes between the human and spiritual realms will offer viewers deeper insights.

Universal emotions, cultural surprises

As a pivotal fantasy release in Netflix’s global lineup, Agent from Above faced a major challenge: how to draw international viewers—who may be entirely unfamiliar with Taiwanese folk religion—into a world filled with spirit mediums, complex cosmology, and deities like the Third Prince?

For Kuan, the key to cross-cultural understanding lies in “nailing the truly important emotions.” While the show is rich in folkloric detail, its narrative backbone is built on the universal themes of human struggle and redemption. Han Chieh’s journey as a sinner, his dynamic with the deity—which feels like a mix of a karmic debt and brotherly interactions—and the choices he faces when tempted by the evil cult leader Chen Chi-sha (played by Chen Yi-wen) are emotional touchstones that resonate with audiences worldwide.

Throughout their collaboration with Netflix, the production team sharpened their narrative precision. They focused on making the worldview fresh and distinct while keeping character relationships and emotional arcs crystal clear. Take the Third Prince, for example: styled in a leather jacket and floral shirt while sucking on a lollipop, his trendy, untamed persona contrasts beautifully with his unwavering support for Han Chieh through countless trials. Once the emotional core of the story is established, its uniquely Taiwanese cultural elements transform into delightful surprises that help international viewers engage with the work.

The release of Agent from Above marks a significant breakthrough for Taiwanese drama in the “high concept” fantasy genre. It proves that Taiwan’s temple culture can not only remain deeply rooted locally but also, through the transformative power of advanced VFX and modern aesthetics, can become a compelling cultural calling card that strengthens Taiwan’s film and television ecosystem and navigates a path for Taiwan productions into the international market.

Veteran actor Chen Yi-wen takes on the role of Chen Chi-sha, the sinister leader of an evil cult.

Boasting a comprehensive array of visual effects, the series features thrilling, fiery combat scenes that push the boundaries of Taiwanese sci-fi aesthetics.