What I Watched -- Lust, Caution

Ang Lee's 2007 film Lust, Caution never made it to theaters in the US. Having seen the movie, I can see why. It's racy and complicated and emotionally conflicted. In short, it's everything you would expect from Ang Lee.

The movie is set in WWII China. The main characters are a group of students who feel it is their patriotic duty to resist the Japanese occupation and the Chinese collaboration government. One member of their group, known as Mak Tai Tai (played by the beautiful Wei Tang), must infiltrate the personal life of a powerful government minister named Mr. Yee. What ensues is a confused bond forged from trust and secrecy, passion and sexual violence.

This is an era of Chinese history which I feel often gets overlooked in the history books. China is famous for its ancient dynasties, and by the time we get to the 1930s and 40s, we're too concerned with Germany and Japan to pay much attention to China. I'm not sure how accurate a historical portrayal this film is, but it is interesting to get a glimpse, even a fictional one, into that world.

There are aspects of the film that are frustratingly unsatisfying. There is another student in the group who has feelings for Mak Tai Tai, but he fails to act until it is too late. Then there is Mr. Yee himself, who's callous, cold exterior cracks just enough to make you want to believe there is a kind man underneath. But can you be sure?

Bottom line: the convoluted emotional plot makes it easy to forget this is a spy movie, until you find yourself on the edge of your seat. Definitely worth watching, but not always easy.