Lan Yu
Four years since it first created a stir, Lan Yu is finally showing here in the uncensored version. Having just watched Everlasting Regret a week ago and since both films are by Stanley Kwan, I suppose comparisons are inevitable.
Idolations for Sammi aside, objectively, I find Lan Yu much better than Everlasting Regret as a film and I don't think I am wrong to say that many people would also agree with me. Of course Lan Yu is basically about two people, while Everlasting Regret needs to tackle five, so it is definitely much more of a challenge to fit inside 2 hours or so. Then again, audiences go into the cinema to watch the finished product, so it is not difficult to understand why some are disappointed by the latter.
Anyway, Lan Yu is actually quite a simple love story: Lan Yu meets Handong in what initially started off as a deal. The two eventually get closer but the latter shamelessly flirts with others, claiming that when two people become too close, the fun stops and it's time to part. The ultimate is when he decides to marry a lady with good credentials (whom he eventually divorces) so that he can fulfill his dreams of finally ending his bachelorhood for family life, leaving a heartbroken Lan Yu. When things take a turn for the worse, during which Handong's illegal business dealings land him into prison facing a death sentence, Lan Yu is the one who chips in generously to help Handong's family come up with the 3 million yuan to secure his release. But just when you think that things are heading for a happy ending in which the couple gained acceptance by Handong's family, the story comes to an abrupt end when Lan Yu meets with an accident...
Well, I suppose the story could go two ways - a fairy-tale happy-ever-after ending, or a tragic one which someone dies. A regretful one always gives more impact (遺憾, 悽美, 震憾), I guess. But still, I couldn't help thinking why Lan Yu had to die(everlasting regret again?)....I like happy endings.
Both actors did a great job, though I can see why Liu Ye edged out Hu Jun for the best actor award. I find his portrayal of the country boy Lan Yu really excellent. And I guess simple stories are still the best...
Idolations for Sammi aside, objectively, I find Lan Yu much better than Everlasting Regret as a film and I don't think I am wrong to say that many people would also agree with me. Of course Lan Yu is basically about two people, while Everlasting Regret needs to tackle five, so it is definitely much more of a challenge to fit inside 2 hours or so. Then again, audiences go into the cinema to watch the finished product, so it is not difficult to understand why some are disappointed by the latter.
Anyway, Lan Yu is actually quite a simple love story: Lan Yu meets Handong in what initially started off as a deal. The two eventually get closer but the latter shamelessly flirts with others, claiming that when two people become too close, the fun stops and it's time to part. The ultimate is when he decides to marry a lady with good credentials (whom he eventually divorces) so that he can fulfill his dreams of finally ending his bachelorhood for family life, leaving a heartbroken Lan Yu. When things take a turn for the worse, during which Handong's illegal business dealings land him into prison facing a death sentence, Lan Yu is the one who chips in generously to help Handong's family come up with the 3 million yuan to secure his release. But just when you think that things are heading for a happy ending in which the couple gained acceptance by Handong's family, the story comes to an abrupt end when Lan Yu meets with an accident...
Well, I suppose the story could go two ways - a fairy-tale happy-ever-after ending, or a tragic one which someone dies. A regretful one always gives more impact (遺憾, 悽美, 震憾), I guess. But still, I couldn't help thinking why Lan Yu had to die(everlasting regret again?)....I like happy endings.
Both actors did a great job, though I can see why Liu Ye edged out Hu Jun for the best actor award. I find his portrayal of the country boy Lan Yu really excellent. And I guess simple stories are still the best...
posted by yung | 1:16 pm
4 Comments:
agree totally that simple stories are still the best !!
i liked the movie tooo...=) Guess this is 1 of the more understandable and not boring movie of Stanley Kwan...
I cried for Liu Ye. A pity that it took 4 yrs for this to show on our theaters.
-mungy
No tears from me tooo... think rip is full of emotions !!!
well, still, it is a sad story...
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