A Touch of Sin
2013
Directed by Jia Zhangke
My decisions on what movies to watch lately have depended entirely on which ones I can see without paying, and I've been exploiting the 7 day free trial period like you wouldn't believe. So I haven't exactly been dying to see this batch of films; this is just a loveless marriage of convenience.
A Touch of Sin tells four stories, all of which feature brutal acts of violence. My favorite stories were the first and third segments, with the second story being my least favorite.
I guess the most remarkable thing about this movie is its graphic depiction of violence. It's really disturbing in its realism, and might be the only thing this movie has going for it. Other than that, the script isn't particularly compelling.
I felt like it was kind of a vague comment on suffering in China, but at least it contained beautiful cinematography.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
The director makes a cameo in the brothel scene.
Title is a reference to a Touch of Zen.
Title is a reference to a Touch of Zen.
Culture gap strikes again? I mean, I watched it, saw lots of violence, but came away with .. nothing. I don't even remember much about it. (There was a brothel scene? OK, I'm happy to take your ward for it, you saw it recently, it was about 7 years ago for me, I just don't remember)
ReplyDeleteSo I assume I missed the point, the cultural references, the in jokes about Chinese society? Maybe even something subversive smuggled in
Or is this just Quinten Tarrentino in Chinese?
So nothing to have a go at or celebrate...