This is such a wrong time to watch movies but I wanted to catch the uncensored Lust, Caution before it runs its end to see what the hooha is about. The story –a spy thriller (not very thrilling cos it was painfully slow moving at some parts) – is pretty good. I love the gorgeous old-Shanghai settings, the outfits, the mannerisms and the culture (mahjong rules).
There were even bits of funny parts you usually don’t find in a serious romance/thriller. I guess when the plot revolves round how a bunch of students decide to turn spies during their hols, there’s bound to be some hilarious screw-ups along the way. And when you cast an American-accented Wang Lee Hom as an earnest young revolutionist, you can't expect anyone to take him seriously. I snickered/giggled each time he gave his doe-eyed, pained expression followed by his I’m-trying-my-best Chinese/Cantonese. Definitely there for eye-candy only (he’s cute).
As expected, the sex scenes were pretty explicit even for an R21 rating. Thank goodness nobody in the audience laughed or made stupid comments. Or maybe everyone was too shocked. Were the scenes crucial to the plot? In a way, yes. They revealed an astonishing different side to his character and gave us a glimpse as to what she was experiencing and feeling (and suffering). In that stuffy era where everyone was extremely courteous and differential, where people spoke succinctly with underlying meanings and gave each other significantly looks to convey what they actually meant, you’ll learn more about the characters in the bedroom when they throw off their masks. Especially the part when she broke down and described how oppressed she felt when they were having sex – I sort of understood where she meant because I saw what she had gone through.
The generally impressive acting, especially by the Chinese newcomer, has to be the saving grace for the movie. Of course Tony Leung doesn’t disappoint. He’s as cool as George Clooney if you know what I mean.
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