It appears that, surfing through the styles and methods of cinematography mostly end up as either disgusting, or shallow. It is most entertaining in a way to see some amazing ideas disgruntled by those so called "innovations"... This one though... Well I've never seen anything like this before. It is very refreshing.
Truth be told, i review movies on IMDb only when i feel other people left something out, and in this case, users are not the only ones. It is amazing how little does the imagery and marketing of this film help people like the movie. In my case, (considering that i was not familiar with Chen Kaige at all.) the poster almost made me skip this one out. (it is really really retarded.) Though i'm glad i did not.
The story of the movie is VERY VERY VERY unique. I'm sure that this kind of storytelling is nowhere else to be found. Though the plot is very complex and filled with "hidden" symbolism, the flow of the movie is lighthearted, easygoing and even "eye candy/entertaining"... But don't let it fool you. There is a gigantic drama hidden beneath those "sweets", which perfectly manages to hit you like a loaded truck... Given the fact that the film is about emotions, love and personal attitudes, it is BEYOND belief, how the hell did Mr Chen manage to NOT turn this into a mainstream "DOLLY" trash. The story in the beginning is very simple, but you will be amazed how brutal and complex it gets with seemingly "little things" in the end...
Actors and actresses are selected well. Their actual "greatness" comes not from their "heavy" and dramatic moments, but in an "overall" characteristics which are stretched through some crazy salad of coincidences and hidden "fate" element. Deep character study indeed, it just shows very little of that "depth", thus making it even more enigmatic.
The only thing i did not like in the movie was music, which did not stand out at all. (except for some parts which were total ripoff of some famous musical scores) but later i realized that it fits very well. I might be compromised by the story in a way that i am not critical towards the other aspects anymore, but i felt like mentioning all this.
I am not gonna comment on camera work and other technical matters for some obvious reasons.
I most proudly advise ANYONE who loves complex yet simple movies to see this one. Do not follow the steps of those who were blown away by ridiculous marketing and promotions of this film. This is a wonderful movie with a powerful message, which will most likely MAKE you remember itself.
