Review of Lust, Caution (2007) by Burcu S — 03 Jan 2009

This a brilliantly shot and unconventional wartime espionage story. Superb recreation of 1940s Shanghai and perfectly played by the principal actors, including the heartbreakingly beautiful leading Chinese actress.

The plot itself is a slow burner but its a very moving tale of betrayal, divided loyalties and a young woman who comes of age under pressure from her college peers to serve the cause of Chinese resistance against the Japanese and their collaborators.

The rather graphic sex scenes are remarkably choreographed - a mixture of erotic soft porn and mild S&M - but the film would have been just as compelling without them.