#14 We just watched this on Netflix streaming. You should too!: Lust, Caution

The Film: Lust, Caution

An odd little movie that you’ll at first consider slow, but will come to appreciate the patience Ang Lee has in his subjects. Many have criticized the first half for being boring; they may have a point. But, stick with it and you’ll enjoy this movie. Pink swear.

The film involves Wong Chia-Chi and her participation in a Chinese revolt against a puppet government set up by the Japanese in China. They aim at assassinating a power figure of this government, Mr. Yee, played by the great Tony Leung Chi Wai. The revolutionaries encourages Wong to seduce and gain the trust of Yee.

Why to watch it: Tony Leung Chi Wai

He is one of the great actors of his generation, but so few of us have heard of him. I certainly hadn’t until I was convinced by a friend to watch In The Mood For Love. It was likely a shock by many of his fans to watch a guy who generally plays the “good guy” to be so vicious. I honestly can say it was for me. For another cool movie with Tony Leung in it check out Internal Affairs, the movie which was eventually made into The Departed. DiCaprio plays Leung’s part. There is a part of me that is thankful China’s greatest actor has never attempted to cross-over to America and, therefore, degrade himself into ethnocentric roles. I’m hoping the right filmmaker (Tarantino) comes along and gives him something worthy.

Pay attention to this: Ang Lee’s ideas

Ang Lee makes aueturistic movies in ever genre and in different languages. They’re seemingly different, but thematically the same. In many of Lee’s best films his characters are at odds with their internal, primalistic feelings and experience pressures of a society that denies them of these feelings. Of course the first thing you’re likely to think of is Brokeback Mountain, but other films immediately come to mind as well, such as Taking Woodstock, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and The Hulk.

Have fun out there!

-Collin