Review of Lust, Caution (2007) by Jenny Z — 30 Jun 2008
Oh my damn. what can I say about this crazy crazy film? Well, for starters I saw the r-rated uncensored version that wasn't seen in theaters, so the lust part of the title was definitely there. Okay, so some of the scenes are downright pornographic.
But of course, this is Ang Lee, so even the naughty bits are engrossing as art, and not as the sex itself? Trust me, I definitely had my qualms about this film. For one, there's a reason I've strayed far from asian films of today (i say this as an asian myself) but with Ang Lee I couldn't resist.
It's a Focus picture so it carries the whole indie spirit of sublime. There were so many ways this film COULD have gone wrong: 1. period piece (the period pieces i'm familar with in asian films are more campy than dated), 2.
Tony Leung (who turned out to be excellent; could not picture anyone else in this role) 3. Wong's character (a newcomer with eh- english, only a few lines here and there anyways, but with a definite allure of some sort).
Much like Brokeback Mountain, Lee explores the confines of secret love and the definition of love itself. The whole S & M element hit me like whoaaa. Who even saw that coming???... and by tony leung?? WTF.
Awesome though. It isn't without it's problems though. At times it moves a little slow, and you find yourself kinda waiting for Leung to appear back on screen with Wang for some more epic bedroom action.
No, this is not b/c i'm some sadistic/masochist fanatic, but these scenes are mad raw and just teeming with emotions; its a wonder if they're simulated at all....These sex scenes aren't just something Ang inserted to draw the crowds, they're actually pivotal moments to the storyline.
You watch their relationship grow, die and grow all over again; you experience her disgust and her pleasure both at the same time. I for one, thoroughly enjoyed this film. But then again, this is my type of film.
If the kinda of movie where glances are more important than dialogue doesn't suit you, this film is not for you.
This review of Lust, Caution (2007) was written by Jenny Z on 30 Jun 2008.
Lust, Caution has generally received positive reviews.
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