As screened @ Cinemuse
Certainly one of the most intriguing, deeply contemplative and artistically, poetic films I have ever seen. Yes, perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, but one cannot deny that this film deeply impacts the viewer on so many levels.

It left me speechless. I knew that the story resonated with so many emotions, fears, dreams and desires, but at the end, the story did not allow me to make any judgment call… just yet. I had to allow it to simmer. To slowly sink in to my inner self and let it come to the fore… in it’s own time… when it so pleases. Only “La double vie de Véronique” had me so speechless at the end.

Every scene flows seamlessly, artistically and poetically into the next. Nothing felt out of place, or forced. The cinematography and direction style, a perfect compliment to this contemplative study of man’s darkest emotions, greatest fears and deepest desires.

To comment thoughtfully on all of the film, I would have to watch this film again… perhaps even a few more times. But allow me just to touch on the scene where the main character escapes from 15years of imprisonment and isolation. The first human he sees is, is a man on top of tall building, holding a maltese poodle, and wanting to kill himself. This man, who so desires affection, love and understanding, is met with our main character at a moment where he desires exactly the same, but in a totally different capacity. A most contradictory flow of emotions ensue. It is brilliant screen writing.

Along with a performance from actor, Choi Min-sik… which is like none I have ever seen. I cannot recall any film where an actor so convincingly portrays so many conflicting emotions. So elaborate, while at the same time, so controlled, so subtle. In my book… most worthy of an Academy Award. Perhaps, an Academy Award won’t even do it justice…

(I now feel like David Attenborough on BBC’s Planet Earth. Everything is ‘most’ this… and ‘biggest’ that… and ‘greatest’ this! Well, that’s how I feel about this film.)