Review of Kaili Blues (2016) by Tor M — 15 Dec 2017

A doctor travels the countryside, searching for his nephew that apperently is in a small Chinese city not too far away. Along the way he meets old friends and he get's a few new friends as well.

This film is not about the plot, it's about the movement, the trip itself. The emotions created by the slowly panning shots, the mashing colors of mostly blue and green and all the things to observe. I feel a vibe of Taiwan, Thailand or something other than China, but it's sat in South China so that should explain it.

It's like a mild Tarkovsky or more accuratly Apichatpong Weerasethakul at his best. The constantly moving filming tend to freeze at, or turn into a cut, of something that will catch you're eyes. Something interesting, more interesting than the pretty heavy digestable dialogues. The words rearly matter in this visual experience, though.

After an hour or so in, things change. We get a 40 minutes uncut shot from a Canon 5D - probably attached to a helmet or something. It's a neat effect and it's another off-drift and a turn that makes it even more oberverable. Clever and impressively long!

Gan Bi delivers a solid debut. I can't believe it's his first, is clearly a man to look out for.

I don't know how this got off the radar, it should be on a lot of lists around the web not to mention places to be premiered around the world.

A demanding but stunning film where time and happenings comes last. Not for everyone, and not a sure shot everyday. If you are in the mood for a meditative film that can take you away for a headtrip, consider this one.

8.5 out of 10 blue shoes.