Silent River

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!

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.

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.

Wow, this was an odd one. Unfortunately, for something this way out and most definitely in David Lynch territory, the film would really have been much better served if the creator/director had tightened up the story considerably. In order to be able to pull off something this offbeat, you really need to do it very well and give deep consideration to the details and pacing.

With that said, there are some very intriguing moments in this movie. I love the ambiguity of it, something that many either will flat out not like or roll up their eyes until they reach the back of their neck : ) That's why I'm so bummed that the director didn't pay more attention to the pacing and overall length of the film. Because I really liked some of the ideas that the writer/director came up with. There are some truly interesting events. It's just a shame that they were not put together more efficiently, this really could have been a stunning film.

The acting was decent. The cinematography was absolutely beautiful! Wow, what a look. Another reason that again, and sorry to be so repetitive, but I REALLY wish they had given more attention to the way it was structured.

Also, as other reviewers have stated on other sites, the beginning hour of the movie is just TOO damn long and slow. It takes forever to get going. So much of that could have been cut out. So, basically if you happen to dig really 'out there', very ambiguous sort of Sci Fi themed films AND you are very, ***VERY*** patient to be able to wade through the entire 2 hours of the movie, then you might find some things here that you like.

I gave it a very generous '6', mainly because I thought the film had a LOT of potential, had some really great inventive ideas, and had truly lovely cinematography.

Definitely worth watching not only for its gorgeous cinematography but also for the brilliant acting. It's a film that keeps the viewer constantly wondering (in a good way) and mentally stimulated with its clever use of different film genres amidst themes of love, betrayal, and forgiveness. Some parts seem a bit disjointed but it doesn't detract from the ethereal beauty and power of the film. It's been a few days since I watched the film and I catch myself randomly thinking about some of the scenes. Obviously, it's a sign that I need to go back and watch it again. I recommend going to seeing Silent River with friends since it'll undoubtedly trigger a hearty discussion afterwards with many different takeaways.