Silent River

If you love David Lynch, you'll get drawn into this films gravity well. Between the cinematography, the score and the wonderful performances, there's plenty to enjoy here. And you'll see something new each time you see it.

These filmmakers clearly have a talent for cinematography, but the other components of the movie just don't hold up. It's slow to the point of stasis, so you will spend endless minutes watching the view from a car pass by or of a wall from various angles. The acting is passable--it might have even been adequate had the script been well written. It was not well written AT ALL. Clumsy, unnatural phrasing and a complete absence of coherent story give it an amateur edge that's constantly pushing you out of the film. I imagine this director will one day make a passable film, but that day is not today.

I started this movie with low expectations. I knew it was an independent film and had heard it was somewhat Lynch-ian. As a huge fan of David Lynch, as well as other filmmakers whom I consider to be in a similar class (Takashi Miike, Lee Chang-Dong), I was wary of someone new (to me) creating something substantially good in that dreamy/mystical-realistic/ethereal sub-genre. Silent River rose to the occasion and I was immediately yet steadily drawn into a perfect ride provided by a beautifully paced, unexpected storyline; stunning yet gritty visuals; and superb acting. I'm now very happy to add Chris Chan Lee to my list of exceptional filmmakers as he has demonstrated the depth, setting, patience, and tension required to reach in and access the emotional plane of his audience. Lead actress Amy Tsang was completely present and entrancing while playing a very complex role with immense confidence and a natural ease. Lead actor West Liang embodied a raw palette of relatable emotions and their interaction was hypnotic. This was all supported by a small world of captivating settings and supporting characters. I have enjoyed sharing this film with my like-minded friends and family and am happy it's starting to get more recognition so many more can discover and enjoy its journey. I'm excited for more repeat viewings as I continue to peel the onion that is its story.

Sit through an opening consisting of 4 minutes slow driving in an unchanging desert without getting bored and maybe you can sit thru this exceedingly slow, poorly acted, poorly written and poorly directed fiasco.

The only positive thing I can say about this movie is that the lighting is good.

The main actor -- who has luggage they havent made since the 1970's, for some reason, and a limp that is not explained -- decides to sit at the pool in the blistering heat in a long sleeve shirt when he meets a femme fatale from the movie poster, who is an equally bad actor.

The plot is ludicrous and is made worse by the absolutely horrible acting and mollasses-slow unfolding.

At this point you realize you have one hour and forty five minutes to go. If you stick it out, a few more bad actors are introduced to the plot as well as slow motion minotaur, wearing a "mechanic" jump suit.

The untalented writer/director needs to be held accountable for this garbage. It's absolutely horrible. Who gave him money to waste on this?

On the surface, Silent River is an intense, emotionally ambitious mystery that gradually yet relentlessly draws you in. A man driving a clunker arrives in a small desert town hotel with some luggage. It's just a stopover, but he can't help getting involved with a strangely familiar Chinese woman who's also passing through. Watching a man who is trying to figure out what's going on is only the beginning of the puzzle. Interacting with some curious residents, he inadvertently triggers events that spin out of control. Director Chris Chan Lee opens the film in a leisurely manner to make the most of the landscapes, interiors, lighting and mood to generate his unique personal vision. The acting and effects create significant momentum and energy that match. The mesmerizing soundtrack is a character in itself, leaving a distinct impression long after the end. Simply put, it's worth rewatching to discover everything you missed the first time.