Review of All About Lily Chou-Chou (2001) by Jared H — 14 Mar 2009

Rating these types of movies is so difficult, since it is quite obvious that movies like this are intentionally made to counter-act what we traditionally think of as good movies. Shunji Iwai wasn't thinking about critics when he made this film, so to criticize it would be somewhat pointless.

But, since I must, I will definitely say that this is the type of film that about 3% of the population will absolutely love with every inch of their souls, while 97% of people will absolutely hate.

At 2 hours and 45 minutes, this film is a long, depressing, dreary, disturbing, brave, draining, frustrating, largely boring but at times though-provoking, artistic, and undeniably an original experience with a notably good soundtrack.

Did I like this film? Not at all actually. It's not really a film that wants to be liked. So, I give this film 2 stars, knowing that there are others who would give this film 5 stars in a heartbeat, and I wouldn't really argue with them...those people simply watch movies for different reasons than I do. I will say this, that "Lily Chou-Chou" is an unforgettable experience... whether that experience is a good or a bad one depends on you.