Movie Review: Yi-Yi

Story: If you have three hours to spare, this multilayered cinematic treat directed and written by Taiwanese Filmmaker Edward Yang, is for you. My sister and I were overly crazy and anxious about the election so we decided to escape into the delicious darkness of a foreign film. This is a film about a middle class family living in Taipei. It begins with a contentious wedding and ends with the collective thoughtfulness of a funeral. The Jians, consist of a middle aged man, his wife, mother-in-law in a coma, teenage daughter, eight year old son, brother-in-law, business partners, old flame and all of the other attachments that people such as you and I have, including the crazy neighbors.

There is nothing extraordinary about this story, but the filmmaking is nothing short of brilliant. Conversations are heard in shadows without the outrageous close-ups that we are subjected to, in most American films. The reflections of life outside of the frame, the shots through glass, the conversations merely heard through a closed door. There are many wonderful and unique ways that we are allowed to observe the action -- or non-action on the screen. This film is a remarkable achievement. I was absorbed and enthralled by his genius.

Acting: I could list the cast but it would be a waste of my time. I am pretty sure that most of you, like me, have no active knowledge of Taiwanese film stars. But suffice it to say they were all terrific.

Pets: Just some pigeons

Visual Art: Lots of wonderfully inappropriate copies of European oil paintings.

Soundtrack: Very often there was no music at all. It was a nice break from the soaring club one over the head American technique.

Titles: The Chinese characters were interesting to look at.

Theater Audience: Very crowded. I hope all of those Democrats voted.

Sappy Factor: 0

Quirky Meter: 3

Tissue Usage: 1

Oscar Worthy: YES

Nit Picking: Two of the characters were cartoons and really did not work with all of the other subtle portrayals. We did get a kick out of all of the American products that are now apparently global.

Length: I am allowing the 2 hour rule to slide -- only because of its brilliance.

LOBO HOWLS: 9.25