Silent River

I started this movie with low expectations. I knew it was an independent film and had heard it was somewhat Lynch-ian. As a huge fan of David Lynch, as well as other filmmakers whom I consider to be in a similar class (Takashi Miike, Lee Chang-Dong), I was wary of someone new (to me) creating something substantially good in that dreamy/mystical-realistic/ethereal sub-genre. Silent River rose to the occasion and I was immediately yet steadily drawn into a perfect ride provided by a beautifully paced, unexpected storyline; stunning yet gritty visuals; and superb acting. I'm now very happy to add Chris Chan Lee to my list of exceptional filmmakers as he has demonstrated the depth, setting, patience, and tension required to reach in and access the emotional plane of his audience. Lead actress Amy Tsang was completely present and entrancing while playing a very complex role with immense confidence and a natural ease. Lead actor West Liang embodied a raw palette of relatable emotions and their interaction was hypnotic. This was all supported by a small world of captivating settings and supporting characters. I have enjoyed sharing this film with my like-minded friends and family and am happy it's starting to get more recognition so many more can discover and enjoy its journey. I'm excited for more repeat viewings as I continue to peel the onion that is its story.

Silent River is unapologetic with its "show, not tell" presentation that'd it make David Lynch blush. This is a good thing. This film doesn't hold your hand, and instead immediately thrusts you into Elliot's topsy-turvy world. From the very beginning and until the very end, Silent River captivates you with its stunning cinematography, superb acting, and cerebral story. If you're looking to take a trip to the brain, watch this film!

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.

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.