Ang Lee delivers a powerful telling of a simple short story set in China during World War II. This period drama centers around young artists conflicts, while the most dramatic conflict of their lives surrounds them. Driven by loyalty for country, and passion of honor, betrayal and lust drives this fascinating cinematic story. There is a quenching to know if these people really existed after you see the film, and whether or not they were based on real characters, there is no doubt young people put their lives on the line for their country while they endured a tyrannical presence setting them up for all the angst that only a war love story can deliver.
Ang uses conflict as his key motif Love vs. Hate, Good vs. Evil, Man vs. Woman, Suffering vs. Gluttony. While hundreds of thousands of people perish in the streets of China’s war with Japan, young artists unite to fight against the invaders. Always testing the limits of what dictates decency, Ang uses a neophyte Wei Tang, and we watch as she blossoms before our very eyes, without a doubt by design.
Never knowing what will happen from scene to dramatic scene, and what horrors will be revealed around the seemingly innocent mahjong games as the opulent collaborators wine and dine each other while their countrymen suffer slaughter. One finds themselves asking, what would I do for honor or passion?
