4
Shasha
Stuck in....
This review may contain spoilers
Better late than never!
I would like to be able to express in words the feelings and ideas this film evoked in me. Unfortunately, I am not skilled at all to do justice to this amazing film.
It is a story of a man who always regretted the wrong choice he made when he was young. He had a best friend, who was actually his first love and when that friend was going through difficult times, he could not muster up the courage to show him his support. Since he believed in parallel universes, we are shown three of those: what happened after that act of cowardice? His life followed three different roads but, surprisingly, all those road led him to the same place 25 years later: the hospital and his friend's novel. And the realization that his friend WAS his universe.
The film is inspired by three books: On The High Wire, by Philippe Petit (taking risks, balancing , trying to feel alive), Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin (searching for your own sexuality, homophobia, love for another man) and So Long, See you Tomorrow by William Maxwell (friendship, betrayal, regret).
The actors are all extraordinary, particularly the main lead Shim Hee Sub all in subtlety, microexpression, holding back, hiding and vulnerability. An amazing actor! He is the focal point of this film. His young counterpart is almost as good, much more emotional, as befits a teen!
The writing is solid. The film is slow burn and sometimes the sequences are not evident: they do talk about parallel universes but from there to conclude they are showing us those, the road is a bit long and tortuous. Moreover, the titles of the parallel universes are not translated (so when the 2nd one showed up, I helped myself to Google Lens and then rewatched the film from the beginning)! Nevertheless, these two and a half hours went by in a flash (no FFW!). The film is beautifully shot, all in dark and brown tones, suitable for a story of regrets and depression.
This film takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, makes you think about your own life and the regrets you carry. It gives you courage and strength to try to fight for what is important. And last, but not least, gives some great reading recommendations!
It is a story of a man who always regretted the wrong choice he made when he was young. He had a best friend, who was actually his first love and when that friend was going through difficult times, he could not muster up the courage to show him his support. Since he believed in parallel universes, we are shown three of those: what happened after that act of cowardice? His life followed three different roads but, surprisingly, all those road led him to the same place 25 years later: the hospital and his friend's novel. And the realization that his friend WAS his universe.
The film is inspired by three books: On The High Wire, by Philippe Petit (taking risks, balancing , trying to feel alive), Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin (searching for your own sexuality, homophobia, love for another man) and So Long, See you Tomorrow by William Maxwell (friendship, betrayal, regret).
The actors are all extraordinary, particularly the main lead Shim Hee Sub all in subtlety, microexpression, holding back, hiding and vulnerability. An amazing actor! He is the focal point of this film. His young counterpart is almost as good, much more emotional, as befits a teen!
The writing is solid. The film is slow burn and sometimes the sequences are not evident: they do talk about parallel universes but from there to conclude they are showing us those, the road is a bit long and tortuous. Moreover, the titles of the parallel universes are not translated (so when the 2nd one showed up, I helped myself to Google Lens and then rewatched the film from the beginning)! Nevertheless, these two and a half hours went by in a flash (no FFW!). The film is beautifully shot, all in dark and brown tones, suitable for a story of regrets and depression.
This film takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions, makes you think about your own life and the regrets you carry. It gives you courage and strength to try to fight for what is important. And last, but not least, gives some great reading recommendations!
Was this review helpful to you?
