Review of The Wayward Cloud (2005) by Sol H — 23 Jul 2010

Watermelons, sex? Sounds great to me. I decided I wanted to see this film when I was working in a DVD store a while back. The cover is a good seller. You have an Asian nurse laying on her back with a watermelon between her legs and a guy about to stick a few fingers in. I know, sounds naughty but I really love watermelon and who doesn't love sex? I was sold.

One thing you need to know about this film and that is that it's a very arty film. We need films like this to keep the balance in this huge movie industry around the world. I believe this is the first Taiwanese film I see and it definitely left an impression on me.

I wouldn't call it a musical like some do but it does have a number of very I interesting and catchy mandarin pop pieces. My personal favourite was the four ladies singing to the statue as it reminds me of the 60s and the Everly Brothers sound.

The movie has strong sexual scenes that might leave some feeling awkward or uncomfortable so it's best viewed alone I'd say.

The director have worked with the same actor in all his films and in wayward cloud the story continues for the main actor from previous films. You don't need to watch them because they're not exactly a prequel but just that the characters story continues. The film is about exploitation of porn, loneliness, innocence and love but in the weirdest way imaginable. The director although I haven't seen any of his previous work seems known for this. I am really looking forward to seeing his other work now if it's anywhere as weird but good as this.

Some scenes do test your patience, long shots that last over a minute sometimes but the director has his own unique style in telling his story especially when it comes to loneliness which he seems very familiar to as a young man.

I would recommend this to open minded movie lovers and fans of European art films but to many it might just be too weird.