Review of Lust, Caution (2007) by Nathan R — 13 Nov 2009

While this film was disturbing, provocactive, and difficult to watch, in the end I found it throughly moving, and therefore, would highly recommend it.

The difficult lay after a couple moments where I thought "I can't watch this anymore" or "I've lost all respect for Ang Lee." But then later I would think that he was brilliant. (In the end, I feel the fault may have lied in the marketing, which gives an impression of the film that I feel differs from its actual content: it describes it as an "erotic thriller" in what is aa bit of mischaracterization in my mind, that contrasts with the reality, which is quite disturbing). Regardless, it drew me in and provoked a deep reaction in me, and in a way not often achieved by so many films. It's ability to do that, in itself, is an achievement. The language barrier melted away, and I scarcely noticed that I was reading the subtitles. Particularly notable are the sex scenes, which my instinct said were unnecessary and gratuitous, but which part of me after some consideration realized that they did add an intensity to an already dramatic situation in a way perhaps not achieved in any other way. Also, one particular scene depicting a grisly murder does so in a way that reminds one of how awful physical violence really is, despite the unemotional and impersonal murder depicted in most films. The production values and costuming were also excellent, and contributed to transporting me back to the setting. The music seemlessly framed the emotional content.