Slow cinema from a new young talent

Slow cinema piece from Vietnam. How 33 year old writer/director Phạm Thiên Ân has 1) the world experience and 2) the film-making nous to achieve this is remarkable. It’s a 3 hour dive into a man’s journey to find his long lost brother who’s wife has died. Along the way we are treated to very long takes, impeccable neo-realistic performances and shots that are clear homage to directors like Tarkovsky and Bi Gan. The message is one of searching for enlightenment and whether our daily grind really is compatible with some of our belief systems. Although I tried not to think too much about that and just let the amazing images wash over me.

If you’re after a beginning, middle & end or some action, this film is not for you. If you’ve enjoyed any Tsai Ming-liang or Apichatpong Weerasethakul, then this might be right up your street.

7.8/10