Silent River

Definitely worth watching not only for its gorgeous cinematography but also for the brilliant acting. It's a film that keeps the viewer constantly wondering (in a good way) and mentally stimulated with its clever use of different film genres amidst themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Some parts seem a bit disjointed but it doesn't detract from the ethereal beauty and power of the film. It's been a few days since I watched the film and I catch myself randomly thinking about some of the scenes. Obviously, it's a sign that I need to go back and watch it again. I recommend going to seeing Silent River with friends since it'll undoubtedly trigger a hearty discussion afterwards with many different takeaways.

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.

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.

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.

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.