Last Life in the Universe (2003)

DVD Features:
5.1 surround sound
Commentary track with Cinematographer Christopher Doyle
Interviews with cast and crew
Behind-the-Scenes footage
Storyboards and original drawings by Christopher Doyle
Theatrical trailer
Previews
Weblinks

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Bright Future
6ixtyNin9
Lost In Translation
The Last Samurai
Bridge on the River Kwai

 Ponderous, but never boring. An Enchanting High-minded art film...
"Last Life in the Universe" is one film that I've always been curious about, but never took a chance in buying (I'm more an action/sci-fi guy). I rented this little offbeat and existential theme movie, and I have to say this film will find a spot in my extensive dvd collection. Directed by Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, a Thai director responsible for "6ixtynin9", this film is beautifully shot, a dreamlike rumination on loneliness, suicide and second chances is definitely a must-see film.

Plot synopsis partially derived from back cover:
A mysterious, obsessive-compulsive, suicidal Japanese man named Kenji (Tadanabu Asano) who lives in Bangkok, Thailand, is thrown together with a Thai woman (Beautiful Sinitta Boonyasak) through a tragic chain of events. The woman is everything he is not. He is a neat freak who keeps his dishes washed and his books neatly stacked and categorized. She dresses like a slob, smokes pot and never picks anything up. It's a match that somehow works, though. Slowly and entertainingly, more is revealed about the Japanese man and why he's suicidal and living in Bangkok.

The cinematography is fabulous in this enchanting little film. While it does have overt magical moments, like when Noi's house cleans itself (as a result of her smoking pot), Noi's character transforming, the film's style is more realistic than one would expect. I saw a few subtle use of symbolism, at times, the screenplay felt like an extended dreamscape. I saw 4 very subtle symbolism; Kenji's obsessive, compulsive, "clean freak" I think means that he is trying his best to keep whatever is left in his life in order while Noi's filthy house symbolizes her indifference to what will come next in her life. Kenji's house cleaning means that he brought direction in Noi's life. Noi's transformation to her "younger" self may be an expression of her becoming more optimistic (youngsters are more so) for the future.

Tadanobu Asano (Ichi the killer) radiates pure charisma even if his character is a bit of a nerdy one at first look. I don't want to spoil anything but the way the story made its slow revelations on Kenji's character is very nicely done and kept me interested. The dynamic chemistry between Asano and Thai hottie Sinitta Boonyasak is so strong and energetic that it will draw any viewer into their blossoming relationship. Even with the film's surrealistic tendencies, the lead characters' relationship plays out realistically. They break the language barrier with the use of English, the two leads feel a bond forming between them, not love or lust, but definitely something REAL and undeniable.

"Last Life in the Universe" may have the ability to depress viewers with its subject matter, but thankfully, the director managed to pitch a lot of humorous moments with Asano's deadpan reactions as well as some comical sequences with the trio of Yakuza hitmen.

VIDEO/AUDIO: 1.70 ratio Anamorphic widescreen. Clean transfer, a bit on the softer side with nice colors. 5.1 Dolby Digital English, Thai, Japanese. The subtitles are very good where needed.

Parting Thoughts:
I am an action/sci-fi/fantasy guy, I can barely believe I am getting into " High-minded ART" films myself. Perhaps, I am getting old. The film is not pretentious, it is quite poetic and engrossing. Even though it is marked with a bit of a "sleepy" feel, the film never once failed to captivate me and will definitely not fail to engage an audience. Ponderous, "Last life in the Universe will submerge the viewer into its beautifully-drawn world from the 1st act. It is a beautiful breath of fresh air and is never boring...
Highly recommended! (4 ½ stars)

September 13, 2007

 Truncation and Elongation Side By Side
Early in the film, I compared it to Tony Takitani and thought that differences can cheer people up when being with the perfect fit can cause depression to intensify and how it is easier to lift other people up than to help oneself.

I avoid Thai movies that have horror or fighting themes so it was a treat to see Thailand especially the old furniture. Surprisingly, this movie shot Bangkok in grey.

As for the story, it seemed familiar and predictable. I liked getting to see Thais in Thailand so it was an enjoyable experience despite the targeting of typical pulse points of alienation, distance between people, etc. August 16, 2007

 Asano Tadanobu is Kenji in this sublime work of art.
Kenji, the head librarian at The Japan Foundation's library is a quiet hermit. Like many young Japanese, he is lonely. His loneliness and apathy for his own subsistence, has caused him to seek death. Kenji's entire focus is to commit suicide. Fortunately, before he has the chance to hang himself, slit his wrist, shoot himself in the head, he is interrupted by the common happenings of life, i.e., a phone call, a door bell, et cetera. Every scene, you are on the edge of your seat- certain that life is over for him. Kenji is totally doomed, until he meets Noi.

Last Life in the Universe is my favorite movie. My eyes run across this title in my movie collection, and I can't help but think about the raw chemistry that exists between the two characters. July 20, 2007

 Simply a marvelous masterpiece
The combination of Pen-ek Ratanaruang, Asano Tadanobu, and Christopher Doyle is absolutely electrifying in as subtle a way as possible. Ratanaruang delivers a masterfully told boy-meets-girl story without all the chick flick mooshy-ness. It's the silence in this movie that speaks louder than the dialogue. Doyle's magnificent eye for shot composition helps that aspect, as well. Asano is, in my opinion, among the top 10 actors alive and he proves it with the portrayal of the main character. Watch 'Ichi the Killer' to see the opposite end of the spectrum of his abilities. Also, keep an eye out for Takashi Miike and his posse of typical actors in 'Last Life...'. Birds of a feather truly do flock together. June 27, 2007

 Sublime think-piece
This is one of my favorite movies. Right after i watched it, i searched Amazon to buy it. Its one those movies that makes you sit and think about life and how alone everyone is, and how in the end we all need each other. You have to pay attention to detail to get the mixed messages and there are alot of truths exposed in this movie. But over all very interesting, and like Kenji said, japanese cars are better! June 8, 2007

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