MOVIE REVIEW
Green Night (Lü ye)
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Genre: Crime, Drama, LGBTQIA2S+
Year Released: 2023, 2024
Runtime: 1h 32m
Director(s): Han Shuai
Writer(s): Han Shuai, Lei Sheng
Cast: Fan Bing Bing, Lee Joo Young, Kim Young Ho, Kim Min Gui
Language: Korean and Mandarin with English subtitles
Where To Watch: available on Film Movement Plus on October 18, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: In the shadow-streaked avenues of Seoul, GREEN NIGHT opens up as a visual spectacle that captures the depths of city life and human longing. Directed by Han Shuai and co-written by Lei Sheng, the film explores the crossroads where the fates of two women intertwine in a narrative of destiny and desperation. Fan Bing Bing delivers a potent performance as Jin Xia, an immigrant trapped in a stifling marriage, whose life brightens with the arrival of a vibrant, green-haired girl, portrayed by Lee Joo-young.

Cinematographers Matthias Delvaux and Kim Hyun-Seok orchestrated the story's narrative, which showcases Seoul's raw elements. The cameras navigate through dim alleyways and gleaming neon vistas, constructing a narrative that, while visually arresting, occasionally feels emotionally superficial. The story commences with promise but soon becomes trapped in its stylistic embellishments, diluting the viewer's connection to the protagonists and their plights.

GREEN NIGHT is sometimes hampered by erratic pacing, often pausing for reflective moments that sap the story’s momentum rather than enriching the story’s depth. The film strives to meld the suspense of a crime saga with the gravitas of societal critique, touching on issues like gender disparity and the exploitation inherent in migration. The film feels somewhat episodic in its journey—a collection of beautifully framed scenes loosely tethered by an overarching narrative.

The movie also delves into the thematic battleground of freedom versus control, which pulsates through the heart of the narrative. Jin Xia’s journey symbolizes the struggle for personal liberation in the face of society and marital conflicts. Her interactions with the city and its residents reflect a broader commentary on the elusive nature of freedom in a modern urban world dominated by bright lights, dark alleys, and constant noise. This theme resonates in the contrast between the open night skies and the oppressive interiors, symbolizing the protagonist's internal conflict between desires and duties.

Bing Bing’s portrayal of Jin Xia ranges from subtle to profound as she navigates her character’s fight for autonomy. Her interaction with Joo-young is laden with unrealized promise; their chemistry hints at deeper, underdeveloped connections. It leaves the viewer wanting more of this incredible and profound story.

GREEN NIGHT is a collage of stunning visuals and intense moments, reminding us of the delicate balance between style and substance. The film reaches for the emotional impact of exploring the lives of these two women in a narrative execution, presenting a feast for the eyes and a story that will warm the soul. It is both a celebration of the director's artistic vision and a chance to delve deeper into its characters' lives.

The film intrigues by offering a glimpse into society's undercurrents while exploring the deeper truths of its characters’ experiences. It dazzles visually and looks to engage the heart, leaving an impression of hope to see more of this world.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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