Strange, almost surreal film which tells of the very downcast side of Saigon, Vietnam, which is involved in drug running and prostitution.
Writer/director Tran Anh Hung paints very real characters who say little yet reveal much just through their actions and reactions. Hung packs his film with many events, some of which will move you, though others may have little affect. Over all it is not easy to see where our director wants to take us, or what he's trying to say. Perhaps it is as simple as this: no matter how poor a person is in Saigon, they are always better off than those in the drug world. Perhaps though, he has a deeper message than this.
Benoit Delhomme's cinematography is harsh, shooting as it does the very real sets from Benoit Barouh. Art Director Daniel Zalay adds a colourful touch to proceedings.
Le Van Loc gives a strong turn as the "Cyclo" who is merely a pawn in the world he's more a part of than a contributer to. Tony Leung-Chui Wai is convincing as the spiritually pained "poet", with support coming from Tran Nu Yen Khe, Nguyen Nhu Quynh, Nguyen Hoang Phuc and Ngo Vu Quang Hai.
Monday, July 14, 1997 - Hoyts Croydon
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