Reviews of Lust, Caution

Lustful words of Caution.

Posted : 1 month, 4 weeks ago on 5 October 2008 08:40 (A review of Lust, Caution)

''He not only gets inside me, he worms his way into my heart like a snake. Deeper. All the way in. I take him in like a slave. I play my part faithfully so I, too, can get to his heart...''

An espionage thriller set in WWII-era Shanghai, in which a young woman, Wang Jiazhi, gets swept up in a dangerous game of emotional intrigue with a powerful political figure, Mr. Yee.

Tony Leung Chiu Wai: Mr. Yee

Wei Tang: Wong Chia Chi / Mak Tai Tai

Ang Lee once again proves what a visionary Director he is, showing attention to detail in every shred of material examined. Lust, Caution is another offering from the masterful Lee which dazzles, entrance's, shocks and has you glued to the screen, every step of the way. To me it has similarities to the perfect German slice of Black Book, on the espionage and Period Drama stakes.

The cinematography, costumes and locations (which range from Shanghai to Hong Kong) ooze authenticity and luscious unrivaled quality. The amount of extras used really is breath taking and the feel of 1930s 1940s Occupied China is captured in every way. Ang Lee is clever in the way he can capture the feel of a particular era, whether it be Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Brokeback Mountain he always seems to master the environment and feel of the time. Lust, Caution he does it yet again, with spectacular results.

To kill the enemy, she would have to capture his heart....and break her own.

Moving onto performances, well the entire cast are on top form, not just the main characters either.
Tony Leung as Mr Yee is untouchable in his execution of his character. Previous films have confirmed his high level of acting yet Lust, Caution definitely again like 2046 cements the fact he's got a passion in his craft. Mr Yee is a faceted character, who's collaborating with the Japanese. At times you can sympathize with him, others you want to ring his neck. He's a typical man who we see a glimpse of weakness in his affections for Mak Tai Tai.
Wei Tang really steals the show with her performance as the leading lady. She's beautiful and sometimes without even the need for words, her eyes convey more language and soul than anything else. You begin to experience the journey by her side, with her as Lust, Caution progresses.

The sex Scenes aren't to me, that graphic. Obviously there's some scenes which may be classed as violent and aggressive, but the evolution of the act requires a variation. I love how Tai Tai becomes so caught up in her involvement with Yee she begins to develop feelings for him. The passionate love making is charged and heated, often depicting the emotional battle going on between the two as they wrestle with their respective consciences.

There was one occurrence of relatively violent proportions which was well shot. Reminded me of Julius Cesar dying for some reason. If you know the Scene I mean then tell me I'm not crazy, otherwise yes it's confirmed. Other than that theres not much examples of action and gore, which is good. It's not necessary.

Lust, Caution also emphasizes the ideologies and routines of the times. Also the merging of Japanese culture in China as they occupy the Country. Of course the Chinese being a proud people are divided in opinion against their over sea rivals. Ang Lee manages to make a point of this without having to make it too obvious, so while he gives us a stealthy heated love story he also cleverly slips us a history lesson. All the things I've stated mixed into an equation spells a master stroke of greatness from the maestro of movie making.

With Lust, Caution Ang Lee's piece will have you loving the music, the period and may even compel you to do more research of the times back then. Cleverly Lee also leaves an after taste in your mind, of History repeating itself and a poignant reflection of what it is to love and be someone else.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

Lust, Caution review

Posted : 2 months, 3 weeks ago on 8 September 2008 03:03 (A review of Lust, Caution)

A spy thriller with it's share of some dark erotica topped with a punch you in the gut ending. Could have been shorter but that that doesn't detract from the overall excellence of the movie. Brilliant acting from the lead actress and that's really understating it.

0 comments, Reply to this entry

Lust, Caution review

Posted : 9 months, 2 weeks ago on 19 February 2008 02:26 (A review of Lust, Caution)

This is one of the best chinese I have ever seen. It is unbelievably good.
The plot is good. The settings are nice.
But the actors... they are so good.
Tony Leung and Tang Wei really takes our breath away.
For the many thousands who believe Chinese movies are all about martial arts this can be a great antidote.
Don't miss this movie for anything.



0 comments, Reply to this entry

Fabulous Scenery, Uncomfortable Plot

Posted : 1 year ago on 27 November 2007 06:38 (A review of Lust, Caution)

Lust, Caution was made by Ang Lee for a Taiwanese company, released in Taiwan and I believe for the Asian market. This film is really beautiful. It's set in Shanghai and Hong Kong during the Japanese Occupation of China in World War II. The scenery and costuming is so interesting, which was lucky because the story left me wanting. There are some pretty graphic, and fairly violent sex scenes in this movie, so not for the faint of heart. I found them annoying. I got bored. The story of a bunch of unprepared actors who end up trying to do a big time assassination in the name of patriotism could have been better. And the attraction between the female actor and her target never felt real to me. I just didn't get it. But, the scenery...did I mention the scenery? Awesome.

0 comments, Reply to this entry