This is the second 'Second Run' DVD (the first being 'Daisies'), so it might be a bit wary of getting one again. They aren't bad films, just very strange ones.
The film is the story of a love affair on the Thai-Burmese border. Min is an immigrant with a skin infection, and falls in love with Roong, a factory worker in the jungle by the border. Before they get to the jungle they must drive there, and this is the most tedious part of the film. The first 20 minutes are spent in the hospital talking to nurses and so on. The second 20-30 minutes is spent in a car driving to the border. During the whole journey they do not say a single word and at the 40 minute mark, the opening credits roll. This would repel the inpatient viewer, and is a pointless addition. However it does build up to the jungle scenes quite nicely.
The jungle scenes are visually beautiful, but again, nothing much happens. Holding hands here, a blow job there, you get the idea. The strange thing is, that time does not drag. The film lasts over 2 hours, and keeps you engaged for the whole thing. Similar to 'Uncle Boonme' the film is filled with long, shots and has a very spiritualistic feel to it.
I was baffled by the 18 certificate given to this film, until the last five minutes, where there is an incredibly dodgy shot. It is completely unnecissary, but I like that about Weerasethakul. He does not care about certification, which I respect.
TO CONCLUDE
Weerasethakul has made a peaceful and meditative masterpiece, with a unique spiritual auteristic feel. I am sure most people won't find this too great, so check out some of his other work before this one.
SCORE
73/100
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