Amphetamin

This film is about a successful gay banker who falls in love with a heterosexual drug addict.

"Amphetamine" follows the same theme as the director Scud's last film, "Permanent Residence". A gay man falls in love with a straight guy and they develop a platonic relationship. However, "Amphetamine" is a lot less captivating than "Permanent Residence". In the beginning we are already treated with a hard sell of Scud's previous films. It's a bit too hard sell but I understand as Scud wants to recuperate the costs of making these independent, self-financed niche movies. As the film progresses, the story telling gets messier, there are many sudden short flashbacks which I find distracting and it perturbs the continuity of the film. The plot is not so engaging either. The lead character Kafka spends most of the time being high, so there is little room for emotional development between Kafka and Daniel. There are far too many self indulgent scenes, trying too hard to make the film look artistic but in the end achieving nothing but being boring. "Amphetamine", I am sad to conclude, is a disappointing, self indulgent mess. I hope Scud's next film will be better.

Think one really needs to appreciate films by Scud to understand the artsy feel for his films. Love, different styles, connections, friendships, heart and soul, all coming together with a good cast in a dreamy body of work. The two leads are natural together as they find their way through steamy sequences, drug concerns, a battle with old demons, family issues, and tolerance, set against the 2008 financial crisis. Both main characters find themselves in each other, worrying about each other, appreciating each other. Both learn from the other with perhaps too little dialogue making the plot drag in places. Settle down, focus on the development of their love, and enjoy.

The character nicknamed Kafka, after his favorite writer, is an interesting guy; a true rebel with a troubled past. Damaged, but an obviously good guy, Kafka has grown up poor, and some traumatic events in his life have caused him to be tough. Kung Fu expert, his addiction to amphetamine does not scare off Daniel, a rich and successful banker on a business trip to Hong Kong, from Australia. Daniel is seemingly Kafka's opposite, with his expensive business suits and luxurious apartment, compared to Kafka's tiny dwelling, cutting edge hairstyle and life on the edge existence. Not to mention that Daniel is gay while Kafka is straight. In fact the only thing that the two seem to have in comment is the fact that they are both Chinese. The exciting friendship/relationship that develops between the two very attractive leads is at the center of the film. "Amphetamin" is filmed with wonderful style, and features top-notch editing and cinematography throughout. This is an emotional film, with a lot of highs and lows. Kafka is certainly not the stereotype drug addict; he became exposed to the drug through his brother, a dealer who made his living manufacturing and selling amphetamine. A violent and unsettling event in Kafka's life has caused him to be very wary of people, so when he decides to let Daniel get close to him, it is nice to see. It is refreshing to see a gay-themed film where the sexuality of the characters is not the focus of the film. The problem with most films of this genre is that they tend to obsess on the sexual aspect only, alienating a lot of viewers who might otherwise be able to enjoy the film. "Amphetamin" deserves credit for presenting same-sex relationships as something other than a freak show; This is simply a film about two lonely people who find each other and experience some amazing moments, and the fact that they are both men is not really important. And the two make a great team. In many scenes they seem like two little kids playing silly games and having a great time. As i watched the movie I hoped that things would turn out well for both of them, especially Kafka, who has not had it easy.

"Amphetamin" is a very enjoyable and visually pleasing film experience. Filled with beautiful imagery and a beautiful cast, and taking place in Hong Kong, one of the most fascinating cities in the World. I did find myself wishing that there was more kung-fu scenes in the film, as actor Byron Pang is very talented in the art. But that is a minor complaint. I recommend seeing this very cool, visually stunning art-house film.