Review of Lust, Caution (2007) by Ben M — 28 Aug 2008
Based on the short story by Eileen Chang, this movie is anything but short. At two-and-a-half-hours "long," I initially balked at watching this movie. Plus all the bruhaha about it being overly long just to get to the point and all. But there are times when you don't let those reviews discourage you from watching a totally decent movie.
Stars Tony Leung and newcomer Tang Wei, Ang Lee creates an engrossing erotic thriller set in 1938 China where civil war threatens unrest and resistance forces are well in play. I will admit though that 150 minutes of buildup for a momentary conclusion is indeed overly long. Which is why this is a short story in the first place - something Ang Lee, for all his brilliance needs to have taken into consideration. So when I watched this, I watched this in two parts and not in one long sitting. I think this made the experience better - treat it like a mini series.
Nevertheless, this film is beautifully shot and stylish. Its attention to detail is simply exquisite and its still a pleasure to watch.
Story: 8/10.
Boredom Factor: 7/10.
Pace: Slow.
Talk to Action Ratio: 7:3.
Overall: 8/10.
This review of Lust, Caution (2007) was written by Ben M on 28 Aug 2008.
Lust, Caution has generally received positive reviews.
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