Last Life In The Universe

Set in Thailand, the plot of 'Last Life In The Universe' revolves around the relationship between two diverse people. Kenji is an obsessive compulsive suicidal Japanese librarian, who through a tragic event meets Noi, a extrovert drug taking Thai slacker.
In reality 'Last Life In The Universe' is a film with very little in terms of a plot line, and instead relies on a series of events and the strength of the films main characters. Overall the film is a bit like an Asian 'Lost In Translation', it's beautifully directed, acted, and thoroughly memorable, and although this is a Thai film the dialogue is mostly in English.
If you enjoy independent cinema then this is a must see film.

This movie is so lovely. It is about two people who quietly fancy one another. They are characteristically different; one is such a neat and tidy person, the other is strangely easy-going with everything.

Last life in the universe was directed by Pen-ek Ratanaruang, who has now been deemed one of the most talented Thai directors. The cinematography was craftily shot by Christopher Doyle who is my favourite cinematographer ever.

The two protagonists: Kenji played by Asano Tadanobu and Sinitta Boomyasak as Noi. Kenji is a librarian, who works in the Japanese foundation in Thailand, who is obsessed with killing himself. Ironically, he managed to kill some thug instead. He came across Noi, a young pretty Thai bar girl, who had just lost her younger sister in an accident. Not willing to return to his apartment, he asked Noi whether he could stay with her for a while. Funnily enough, she agreed to take him back to her place.

The relationship began to develop during their stay together in her house. It was oddly sweet to see these two trying to converse with each other in broken English. Yet they interacted with one another in a vividly real way.

The other thing I like about the movie is the house. It is so isolated. It seems to represent the tiny and disorganised world of Noi, but is also very peaceful to dwell in.

Last life in the universe is a charming film. It is a bit dreamy as well. You could fall asleep if you do not like a slow and low-key plot. Though, I guarantee that the movie will put a smile on your face.

This was the first film I saw by Thai film director Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, and without a doubt one of the most accomplished and satisfying I've seen in years.

The story revolves around two polar opposite characters - Kenji: A quiet and meticulous Japanese librarian with a hidden past, played by Japanese star Asano Tadanobu, and Noi: A street-wise, straight-talking Thai female, played by new comer Sinitta Boonyasak. Both characters seemingly only have one thing in common, and that is that they are both utterly lonely, albeit for different reasons - she is recently bereaved of her sister, he for a reason never fully disclosed is distanced from the world, an introverted outsider with no good reason to go on. Thrown together by a sequence of events they take solace from each others presence. From this begins an enchanting, touching and idiosyncratic movie. One that's not concerned with characterisation, an intricate plot or histrionics, but with how two troubled, contradictory beings grow closer and in the process rediscover a reason for being, and going on in the universe. Due to the language barrier (they flit from talking Thai, Japanese and English to understand one another) they may not have meaningful discourse, but here the meaning is hidden behind the formalities, the pedestrian, the everyday.

I'm not going to launch into an extended essay or spew too many superlatives, but believe me when I say this is required viewing. Assured, amusing and touching, this trilingual film is replete with a dry wit, a surreal element that leaves a lot open to interpretation, and a deft ability to evoke emotion. There are laudable performances from the two central characters, and a third from Christopher Doyle's shifting oblique camera-work and composition. And despite its clear East Asian cinematic influences (in tone it reminds me of Takeshi Kitano's 'Dolls') 'Last Life In The Universe' evokes modern day Thailand in all its chaotic ramshackle splendour brilliantly. Definitely a film to indulge in whilst alone...