Review of Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) by Jonathan B — 16 Jan 2017
There's something a bit creepy at the heart of this strange Thai movie. Boonmee is a tamarind farmer who is suffering from kidney disease. He needs to have regular peritoneal dialysis and is helped by members of his family and a hired help from the neighbouring country of Laos.
During his illness, he is visited by the ghosts of his dead wife and son. His son went missing in the forest near his home and has become a strange monkey-like creature. Boonmee also has visions of his own former lives.
It is a strange, slow tale which touches on aspects of Asian philosophy and religion. I found the strange, dark monkey spirits that follow Boonmee through the forests to be slightly disturbing and unnerving.
The film deals sensitively with themes of family, loss and regret and makes reference to violent incidents in Thai history. The movie has a dreamy and unrealistic feel which appealed to me and, based on the strengths of this movie, I'd be interested to see other works by the director Apitchatpong Weerasethakul.
This review of Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) was written by Jonathan B on 16 Jan 2017.
Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives has generally received positive reviews.
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