Review of Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010) by Kalel J — 17 Feb 2011

A film of serene ambiance and naturalistic beauty, 'Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives' takes full advantage of its lush surroundings and distinct sounds - submerging its viewers in the Thai countryside. As a contemplative effort, the film is a slow meditation on spiritual legends - karma and reincarnation - and becomes a hazy blend of animal and human connectiveness. The world of 'Uncle Boonmee' is shown as a shared one, and these two sides attempt to form a clearer understanding of human purpose and place.

Apichatpong Weerasethakul's film is a labyrinth. I would be lying if I said that each turn in this deceptive maze was understood. His narrative is at times simple, but his plot points continually break any semblance of narrative and force themselves as a metaphor. Boonmee's past lives are given more as examples of an impact on those around him. In his dying days, the return of his son - as an animal - tends to act as a visual aid in Boonmee's next step into reincarnation, and another life. But the return of the ghost of his passed wife tends to complicate this with the notion of Boonmee's steps into the consequences of karma.

The issue and benefit of the film is its airiness in the delivery of fact and hopes for interpretation. It doesn't give much to base theories on, but gives plenty of food for thought. And when your mind and soul are allowed to wander through this visual spectacle - it makes for a wonderful two hours.