Movielogr
Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives (2010)
Directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul
Twitter Facebook Google+Most recently watched by krazykat, KitchenSink, sensoria
Overview
Suffering from acute kidney failure, Boonmee has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, Boonmee treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave—the birthplace of his first life.
Length 114 minutes
Actors
Thanapat Saisaymar | Jenjira Pongpas | Sakda Kaewbuadee | Natthakarn Aphaiwonk | Geerasak Kulhong | Wallapa Mongkolprasert | Kanokporn Tongaram | Samud Kugasang | Sumit Suebsee | Mathieu Ly | Vien Pimdee | Akachai Aodvieng | Prakasit Padsena | Nikom Kammach | Chophaka Chaiyuchit | Winai Ruenrerng | Kumgieng Jittamaat | Miti Jittamaat | Phetmongkol Chantawong | Nuttapon Kemthong | Atapon Wernziw | Tongsit Rachasin | Thanabodee Laohawanich | Namthip Meaungmaha | Nitipong Thinthupthai
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/04/2020 | Movie Screen | Film | Theater | 7 stars |
| (Average) 7 stars |
Viewing Notes
First time viewing! Definitely an interesting pick for Chicago Film Society. Since this was shot on Super 16, CFS programmed it part of their celebration of 50th anniversary of this format. The movie really is quite pretty with some nice photography and beautiful colors. This 35mm print is the last one in circulation and was a release print so it screened back in 2010 when the film was released. It still looked great with a few speckles here and there.
The movie denies classification as I expected. Of course it’s easy to use all the familiar words I’ve been using to describe Taiwan New Cinema: contemplative, meditative, a rumination on life, etc. Not that Apichatpong Weerasethakul is a Taiwanese director, he still shares similar stock and influences (he’s featured in the Flowers of Taipei doc on Taiwan New Cinema). He’s also a graduate of Chicago Art Institute.
Viewing this film on the big screen was akin to hearing a bedtime fairy tale and working its magic in the same way that I found myself drifting as it was lulling me to sleep even though I wasn’t tired. It has that effect. I’d like to see it again to absorb more of it. Also wasn’t expecting it to be as funny as it is. Rather charming in that regard.
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