Review of Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) by Arwin K — 04 Dec 2013

Don't confuse art wit poor craftsmanship. The cinematography painfully lacks any inspiration. Rather than capturing moments from nice angles it is as if the actors themselves placed the camera down at a random spot before they recall their 10 lines they each were appointed.

The mysterious aura of the creature which draws attention by making for a beautiful poster is completely annihilated a few minutes in when he turns out to be Chewie's younger brother who did learn to speak an earthly language rather than making annoying sounds like he's hungry.

There is merely one moment in the film where there is perfect harmony between the elements on screen when three people watch television but that immediately is forgotten with the disposition the very next shot.

Everything about this film feels totally random and unscripted and though the title hints at great plot and captivating ideas the film doesn't make good on that promise and convinces you to just turn away.

The problem is you wish to prove to yourself you have an open mind, are interested in mythical Asian stories and wish to show interest in Thai culture and though it hurts to sit through the film, somewhere deep inside you expect and hope for a moment that makes up for the lost time and set things straight, a twist in the plot, a smart turn, a surprise so sudden you can't help but smile.

Unfortunately, it's not going to happen. If one has never spent time in the Thai country side, has been kept up by the noise of crickets while trying to fall asleep on the floor of a wooden shack trapped in a mosquito net this film might be magical, romantic and campy all at the same time, for others it is simply something completely different.