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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.
9/10
