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Last Life In The Universe [2003] [DVD]
 
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Last Life In The Universe [2003] [DVD]

DVD ~ Tadanobu Asano
3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
RRP: £19.99
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Customers buy this item with Nobody Knows [2004] [DVD] DVD ~ Yuya Yagira

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  • This item: Last Life In The Universe [2003] [DVD] DVD ~ Tadanobu Asano

    In stock.
    Dispatched from and sold by Amazon.co.uk.
    This item Delivered FREE in the UK with Super Saver Delivery. See details and conditions

  • Nobody Knows [2004] [DVD] DVD ~ Yuya Yagira

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Product details

  • Actors: Tadanobu Asano, Sinitta Boonyasak, Laila Boonyasak
  • Directors: Pen-ek Ratanauruang
  • Format: Anamorphic, PAL, Widescreen
  • Language Thai, Japanese, English
  • Subtitles: English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: 15
  • Studio: Artificial Eye
  • DVD Release Date: 22 Nov 2004
  • Run Time: 109 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B000621OUM
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 19,061 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

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Reviews

Product Description

Hiding from an unknown past, suicidal Japanese loner Kenji (Tadanobu Asano) seems destined for a premature rendezvous with oblivion when he meets Noi, a beautiful Thai party girl. Despite speaking different languages and barely able to communicate, Noi begins to seduce Kenji back into the chaos of life. Director Pen-ek Ratanaruangskilfully fuses a variety of genres to create a unique, dreamily stylish drama. Magnificently shot by acclaimed cinematographer Christopher Doyle (In The Mood For Love), the film also features a superb performance from Zatoichi star Asano as Kenji and a memorable cameo by cult director Takashi Miike as a deranged yakuza boss.


Synopsis

Shy Kenji is a Japanese librarian in Bangkok who lives within a neatly organized world and fantasizes about committing suicide, but gets interrupted every time he attempts to end his life. While at work, he becomes obsessed with a beautiful girl he spots through the bookshelves. Later, while attempting to jump off a bridge, he watches her die when she is hit by a car. Kenji attempts to comfort the girl's sister, Noi, but eventually returns home, where he is visited by his loutish brother and a Yakuza-linked associate. A scuffle between these visitors results in their deaths. Scared and confused, Kenji retreats to Noi's messy home, which he systematically cleans while they get to know each other and help each other through painful issues in their lives. Tragic and blackly comic with elements of gangster cinema and toilet humor, LAST LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE is a touching work that refuses easy categorization. Pen-ek Ratanaruang's film boldly takes its time to unfold, allowing viewers to savor Christopher Doyles's (IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE) lush visuals. With Kenji, Asano Tadanobu has created a protagonist who says more with his silences than most characters do with dialogue. Japanese film fans will also enjoy director Takashi Miike's raucous cameo as a Yakuza boss.

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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
5 star:
 (3)
4 star:
 (2)
3 star:
 (2)
2 star:    (0)
1 star:
 (1)
 
 
 
 
 
Average Customer Review
3.8 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The Last Lizard, 3 Nov 2006
By Omnipotent (The Tangent Universe) - See all my reviews
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Bored out of my head
very very slow, didn't fully understand the end. torture, i just wanted it to end ASAP.


Published 18 months ago by Mr. R. Dunn

4.0 out of 5 stars An unusual film.
An unusual film. The main character who has OCD and has too much time on his hands, so day dreams of different ways to kill himself. Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2007 by Edna Little

3.0 out of 5 stars A quiet little gem.
The one thing I can say about this film is that it had a certain charm. The films focuses on the two very opposite protagonists although there are other again differing sub-plots... Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2005 by jenns_store

3.0 out of 5 stars A quiet little gem.
The one thing I can say about this film is that it had a certain charm. The films focuses on the two very opposite protagonists although there are other again differing sub-plots... Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2005 by jenns_store

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful film
What a surprise!

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Some wonderful music, acting and story in this Thai film. Read more

Published on 4 Jan 2005

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