Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Last Lizard, 3 Nov 2006
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...
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love life in the tiny world, 3 Sep 2006
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.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!, 20 Aug 2005
By A Customer
I love the contrast between the two main character's personalities. Although the dialogue is a mixture of both broken thai and english, the flow of the movie keeps us going along at a nice pace. Some out of the blue humours which keeps it refreshing. Anyone who is up for an orient art movie should give this movie a shot! I dont think you'll be disappointed. So proud to stumble upon a good movie from my home country! Go Pen-ek!
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