Lust.Caution
November 21, 2007, 00:20
Went to the Cathay after work with some colleagues to catch the uncensored version of Lust.Caution. The theatre was full, a rarity for a
Tuesday. The film was good. As in Lee Ang's previous films, the cinematography of Lust.Caution was excellent. Although the storyline was a simple one, Lee managed to flesh out in detail the intricacies of the relationship between the two primary characters. Through the multiple sex scenes, the audience was able to appreciate the chemistry and emotional attachment between both characters. One would not have been able to fully grasp the depth of the connection developed between both characters if not for the sex scenes.
The sex scenes aside, the film was ultimately a subversion of the concept of patriotism. Its a story of how in the name of patriotism, a woman was manipulated and used against her will by the various men in her life. Its a story about how, in spite of finding her love, was unable to live her own life, but was eventually murdered and would, in our interpretation of history, be touted as a "martyr", when her death was in vain.
Lust.Caution is essentially a film about questioning the concept of the nation and the love of nation. It questions the necessity of being loyal to a country when that country manipulates you for its ends. It champions the love between man and woman as something that would dissolve differences, be they cultural or political.
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