Lust, Caution

Within the 158-minute running time of Ang Lee's Lust, Caution, there are moments that could equate to that of pure poetry. Whether it be the gorgeous detail in the costumes, Alexandre Desplat's score or simply the smoke from a cigarette, there's an elegance in the film.

The delicate features of Tang Wei's face are key for her character Wong Chia-chi. Just looking at her you would assume that she is a young housewife. You would never suspect that she's really a spy. The pure innocence in her eyes and smile dismiss such thoughts.

Much like his work in In the Mood for Love, Tony Leung's Mr. Yee is an observant but quiet man. The same can't be said for when he's in the bedroom. There, he is a completely different person. It's scenes like those where people can express who they really are, and Leung shows such a fine example.

Like Lee's previous film Brokeback Mountain, Lust, Caution focuses on the burning desires between two characters and the outside life around them. Though in a way, it's more of a Chinese Last Tango in Paris (which comes as no surprise since Brando's performance was an influence for Leung's). Their lives are uninteresting, and they crave an escape.

The NC-17 rating is misleading. There's only 10 minutes' worth of sex. The rest, if unclear earlier, is cinematic bliss. The running time may sound daunting, but the film flies by on gilded wings.

My Rating: *****