Silent River

Silent River is unapologetic with its "show, not tell" presentation that'd it make David Lynch blush. This is a good thing. This film doesn't hold your hand, and instead immediately thrusts you into Elliot's topsy-turvy world. From the very beginning and until the very end, Silent River captivates you with its stunning cinematography, superb acting, and cerebral story. If you're looking to take a trip to the brain, watch this film!

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.

This movie, clearly designed as a love letter to David Lynch, succeeds in giving its audience plenty of questions to analyze by the end of it's two hour fever dream. At times, gorgeous to look at and equally haunting to experience. West Liang's performance carries us through the mystery of his own making. He's is completely engaging and I yearned for him to find what he was looking for. Amy Tsang always impresses me with her grace and mystery. She feels like she walked right out of the school for Lynch's quirky femme fatales that you can't help fall in love with despite knowing only doom can follow them. The AI sub plot was a strange turn in the story but I did enjoy the performance and design of P2. All in all if you like mystery and sci fi, then you're bound to find something in this thoughtful addition to the sub genre of indie streaming movies.

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.