This sumptuous film is often considered an inferior version in the same vein as the perhaps obviously superior In the Mood for Love, also starring Tony Leung – the Chinese Humprey Bogart in a different age and a different continental aesthetic, where the hero never smiles. The main difference I have always felt is the way Ang Lee romanticises his subjects vs. Wong Kar-Wai’s richer palette and nuance. This is not to say that Lee is a less interesting director, far from it. Only to underline that this picture makes more obvious judgements on its characters, in broader strokes. Which may or may not be why this one is thought of as slightly less of a classic.
But, a classic it certainly is. Visually, and in detail of design, it is a match. The colours and costumes are sublime. The textures throughout are grandiose and timeless. The acting is also undeniably very fine. Thematically, it is problematic but worthy of discussion; it is a love story that begins from an abusive relationship, blurring the lines between eroticism and consent. Troublesome as this is to watch and indeed enjoy, it becomes apparently crucial that we reserve judgement on this tale until the full picture has been painted.
The story being told is one of identity and displacement against a backdrop of a shifting culture on the verge of seismic changes. Repression and secrets are held onto tightly for most of the slightly excessive 2hr 37m runtime until they spill out graphically into kinks and quirks bordering on the obscene. Only Lee’s artistic integrity keeps it on the right side of pornography. Finding it sexy depends quite a bit on how bored you might have been as the tease is extended amidst scene after scene of highly buttoned-up manners and civility. Imagine if Remains of the Day spilt over into shameless shagging, but in China, and there you go.
The denouement is fairly satisfying and does bring the whole idea into focus. It just takes so long to get there that unless you have been making notes about the materials of the furniture and clothes, you may not care anymore. Myself, I am torn over this one quite a bit. I admire it a lot more than I enjoy it, which means, at such an extended length, I am unlikely to make it a frequent watch. And I don’t doubt a lot of folk feel the same way.
In conclusion, it is a pretty bauble, only to be hung on rare occasions for the rarest of watching moods.
Decinemal Rating: 71
The Wasteland 