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!

Wow, this was an odd one. Unfortunately, for something this way out and most definitely in David Lynch territory, the film would really have been much better served if the creator/director had tightened up the story considerably. In order to be able to pull off something this offbeat, you really need to do it very well and give deep consideration to the details and pacing.

With that said, there are some very intriguing moments in this movie. I love the ambiguity of it, something that many either will flat out not like or roll up their eyes until they reach the back of their neck : ) That's why I'm so bummed that the director didn't pay more attention to the pacing and overall length of the film. Because I really liked some of the ideas that the writer/director came up with. There are some truly interesting events. It's just a shame that they were not put together more efficiently, this really could have been a stunning film.

The acting was decent. The cinematography was absolutely beautiful! Wow, what a look. Another reason that again, and sorry to be so repetitive, but I REALLY wish they had given more attention to the way it was structured.

Also, as other reviewers have stated on other sites, the beginning hour of the movie is just TOO damn long and slow. It takes forever to get going. So much of that could have been cut out. So, basically if you happen to dig really 'out there', very ambiguous sort of Sci Fi themed films AND you are very, ***VERY*** patient to be able to wade through the entire 2 hours of the movie, then you might find some things here that you like.

I gave it a very generous '6', mainly because I thought the film had a LOT of potential, had some really great inventive ideas, and had truly lovely cinematography.

I actually didn't mind the film...until it just started to feel like a 10 hour film in slow motion.

It's just a beautifully made film that spins it's tires for 2 hours. Think an X-Files episode that David Lynch directed, the reality being---if Lynch directed it, it would be a more pleasurable viewing. For those with a short attention or lacking some sleep of late, take this as your warning; don't.

If you like well crafted cinematography and interesting, dark premise with tinge of surrealism and science fiction--this could work for you---though on a larger scale, it promises and fails to deliver something larger.

Comparable to After Yang with it's beautiful filming and bogs down within it's own "weight" and pacing.

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.

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.