SoumikBanerjee1996

I remember really appreciating the first movie for how it symbolized Finland and showcased its brave stand against enemy forces during World War II.

It wasn't just packed with gritty, intense action; it also told a story that had a much deeper meaning beyond being a straightforward action flick!

But with the sequel, things have taken a surprising turn and for the worse.

It feels like it's gone from a meaningful narrative to just a mindless attempt to entertain the audience.

Now, I wouldn't have minded a full-on, unapologetic gorefest, had the rest of the film clicked but sadly, everything else falls flat.

The dialogue delivery is off, and the screenplay is pretty dull, none of the key elements gelled together. Not even the performances.

I cannot remember the last time I saw such a disappointing act from Stephen Lang!

It's a total letdown. I am giving it one star just because some of the scenes are so absurdly ridiculous, and made me laugh.

The visual presentation and the element of 'foreshadowing' stand out remarkably, especially in the impressive hour-long 'one take' that showcases Bi-gan's imaginative artistry beautifully.

Yet, when it comes to the narrative itself, despite the notable technical brilliance, I found myself struggling to connect. The relationship between 'Luo' and 'Wan' felt too distant and lacking in the kind of longing and warmth I prefer, which ultimately diminished the resonance.

There's an undeniable poetry and dream-like quality to the film, and I can see what the creators were aiming for: our protagonist trapped in a surreal state, trying to reconstruct the woman he once loved and lost. The visuals, though carrying a sense of ambiguity, capture the fantastical essence of the story very well.

However, in a romantic feature, it's essential to make the primary characters and their journeys feel relatable and tangible. Unfortunately, that emotional depth is what I found severely lacking here, leaving a void that I wished had been filled.

Don't expect a traditional narrative structure. While there is a straightforward tale to follow, the concept of time operates in a unique way here.

In this particular set-up, time isn't just a thing with linear progression; it feels more like a entity of its own with a constant presence, blending memories and thoughts from the past, present, and future.

Dreams and desires intertwine, creating a tapestry where characters resonate and echo each other's emotions. It's reminiscent of a surreal, almost fantastical setting where names, objects, and actions recur, surpassing the bounds of logic and rationale.

Now, beyond the experimental storytelling, which can sometimes feel emotionally detached or intentionally obscure, leading to a bit of confusion, I found myself caught up with the stunning cinematography, which effortlessly invites the viewers to engage actively with every task and activity unfolding on screen.