Review of Lust, Caution (2007) by Will T — 17 Apr 2011

This is the second time I've watched Lust, Caution and I can honestly say it's even more brilliant the second time around.

In occupied Shanghai (world war II era), Wong Jia-zhi attends college and is enlisted by her drama troupe to help assassinate a Chinese politician who supports the Japanese rule, Mr. Yee, by emotionally seducing him.

Lust, Caution is all at once, brutal yet subtle and restrained. But above all (and the reason it is all three things at once) is that it is so honest toward its issues.

It is honest about politics and the social climate at the time (and some of these parts were actually edited out for release in China, such as piles of bodies decaying in the streets of Shanghai, some dead and some alive) and people's anger toward the Japanese government.

Further, Lust, Caution is honest about murder and its brutality. There is one scene that really will made me squirm, in which the group of college students repeatedly stab at man. It's not gratuitous violence or blood (both of which I've seen plenty of in other movies). It's the intensity of the acting, the pained expressions on the students' faces as they cry over the brutality they're forcing themselves to commit.

Lastly, Lust, Cuation is honest about sex and emotion. I'm glad critics are recognizing the graphic sex as an integral part to the story. Wong Chia Chi's story, is at its basis, about a woman who must act out and trick Mr. Yee with everything she's got, including her body and emotions. The sex is absolutely an important part of the story.

Honesty is the key, and I applaud Ang Lee for making such an honest movie and not shying away from such topics (especially directly after Brokeback Mountain).

Some people may find the two and a half hours too long a run time, but I was engrossed in the movie the whole time. Every scene advances the movie, and the reason it lasts for two and a half hours is because the movie deals so subtly Wong's and Yee's emotions. There is no cheese ball moment in which one gesture makes Yee fall for her. Their emotions build organically just like emotions do in real life.

And the soundtrack is beautiful.

Just watch the movie. It's amazing. (I'm assuming that if you're interested in this movie, even slightly, you're probably mature enough for the content. It is not for children because they wouldn't be interested in this movie, nor would they be able to understand the subtleties of each scene, nor should they be seeing the graphic sex scenes, which are more brutal than erotic).