The story is set in Taipei. The three threads of plot, include a photographer growing distant from his girlfriend and becomes interested in a girl he photographed, A couple who are having marriage problems, so the woman writes a book and escapes to the arms of her former lover, and a prostitute who is secluded and locked up at home. None of these stories are related, yet in a big city, the threads will eventually cross.
Yang is one of three directors responsible for the Taiwanese New Wave, and is probably the most well-known, due to 'Yi Yi: A One and a Two' and 'A Brighter Summers Day'. The Terrorizers preceded both of these films, but is available in better quality than all the films which came after it (except 'Yi Yi').
'The Terrorizers' is post-modernistic, and centres around the urbanization of Taipei, and the lives of complete strangers. The three stories are interlinked, not by causality, but by chance, an idea unheard of at the time. A bad example of this would be 'Love Actually', where characters would rarely meet, and if they did it would be accidental. The photographer watching the novelist on the television, or the prostitute calling the novelist on the phone. Masterly handled by Yang, the narrative interweaves through these stories, each influencing each other. There is a small blur between reality and fiction in this film. The film often tricks the viewer into thinking fantasy is reality and the characters are told lies and believe they are real. Not only are the characters being terrorized, but the audience is too.
The film looks stunning with outbursts of bloody violence. Throughout the film, there is little in the way of establishing shots, making the viewer feel claustrophobic and lost. The way one scene, instantly moves into the next scene, with no shot to establish where the characters are, is surprisingly effective, especially with the speedy editing. Throughout the film, there is not a single shot of Taipei from the outside, just the occasional shot through a small window. For a film about urbanization, there's few shots of Taipei, or scenes filmed outside. We get the feeling of an urban metropolis without ever seeing it, alienating the characters in a very Antonioni way.
This film has Antonioni all over it. The photographer in this film, is similar and most likely inspired, by the photographer from 'Blow-up'. The depressing theme of fading relationships is present, and the smooth camera-work reminds me clearly of Antonioni. Despite this, the film is creative and innovative enough to be applauded on it's own merits.
TO CONCLUDE
The movie equivalent of a jigsaw. When all of the many pieces come together, it creates something masterful.
SCORE
76
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