Review of Last Life in the Universe (2003) by Jason Y — 13 Jan 2005

[size=1][font=Verdana][size=2]sorry I haven't written anything lately.. I just haven't seen that much I felt like writing about, nor have I felt like writing anything else either for that matter.. here are a few brief "reviews" of some really good Asian films. they all come highly recommended from yours truly.[/size][/font][/size] [indent][size=1][font=Georgia][size=5][i] Last Life in the Universe[/i][/size][/font][/size].

[/indent] [size=1] [/size]a beautifully shot love story of sorts that actually reminded me of [b]Lost in Translation[/b], even though they are probably more different than similar. there is an element of two people coming together for a brief period in time, and even a language problem part too, but that's about as close as they come. i'm not sure how to critique this film, but I really enjoyed it for what it was. i'm sure plenty more can be read into it for those who want to as well. there was definitely an arc and a story to it, even though it's a very relaxed film. it's not something for everyone though, although i'm sure everyone would enjoy Christopher Doyle's lovely cinematography. **** stars out of five.[size=1].

[/size] [indent][size=1][font=Georgia][i][size=5]Millennium Mambo[/size][/i][/font][/size].

[/indent] here's another film (i'd like to call them Village Voice films, cause they're the films Village Voice and such critics usually enjoy). thematically it's very different from the above- mentioned film, but it's also very free in terms of plot.. it just kinda drifts around during a time in this young, troubled woman's life, and shows us how she's trying to escape an abusive relationship. the highlight of the film is the lead actress Shu Qi, who's really wonderful in this film. i've never seen her in anything else (i think), and she really did a great job with it. also noteworthy is the film's cinematography, especially all the different colors that just pop out of the screen. **** stars out of five.[size=1].

[/size] [indent][size=1][font=Georgia][size=5][i]Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance[/i][/size][/font][/size].

[/indent] [size=1] [/size]if you enjoy revenge films, this is a film for you. it's not just about one person's revenge but several, and it's also one of the most unusual, unique revenge films i've seen, much like the director Chan-wook Park's more recent film, [b]Oldboy[/b]. both films are disturbing though.. they're not unwatchable a la Miike films, but they're certainly disturbing, especially in the way that there's basically no normal, sane character at all in the films that you can identify with and root for. if you've seen [b]Oldboy[/b], then definitely check this film out as well. if you enjoy revenge films, check this film out. heck, if you just enjoy unusual, original films, check this one out. **** stars out of five.