Exploring Love and Loss in City Shadows

Read Time:4 Minute, 27 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
In the Morning of La Petite Mort
(adult content) –

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Wang Yu-Lin
Writer(s): Wang Yu-Lin
Cast: Yusuke Fukuchi, Wang Yun-Zhi, Shin Yin, Huei-ling Jan, Jieh-Wen King
Language: Mandarin with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premiering via VOD & digital on January 19, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: When you experience a film like this, it’s often something beyond just the actors on screen; this feels like an odyssey set loose in the world built on screen. This Taiwanese drama brings to life the stories of four distinct individuals, each navigating their unique challenges. From its opening shot, the film sets a visually arresting and emotionally resonant tone, promising a journey that's anything but ordinary. It’s raw, in your face, and an experience you won’t soon forget.

Director Wang Yu-Lin’s canvas is rich and varied, painting each character with depth and complexity. Wang Yun-zhi shines as a woman who is working to get by, delivering a performance that's both nuanced and powerful. Her portrayal goes beyond the usual tropes, offering a glimpse into the layered reality of her profession. Her performance, specifically the out-of-body scenes when the character is there but sends themself elsewhere so as not to be present through the act.

Yusuke Fukuchi's portrayal of a homeless food courier adds a touching element of vulnerability and charm. His character's evolution from the periphery of society to a deeper connection with our protagonist mirrors the human longing for belonging and understanding. The film's pacing, though methodical and occasionally slow, allows viewers to delve deeply into these characters' lives.

IN THE MORNING OF LA PETITE MORT stands out for its dynamic narrative structure. The film switches between the lives of its characters, crafting a picture of these extraordinary yet ordinary people living their lives. These stories, set against the bustling backdrop of Taipei and captured through Pan-Yun Wang's mix of claustrophobic and long-format cinematography, bring forth themes of compassion, exploitation, and the complexities of human relationships.

The film's pacing, primarily due to its minimal dialogue, can feel slightly off. While this approach lends an artistic depth, it can occasionally obscure the film's thematic underpinnings, making them less accessible to the audience. Additionally, the film's treatment of female sexuality and consent, while intentional, can leave some unanswered moments in the movie that feel uncomfortable. If those moments had been expanded on, or there had been more detail about the reactions/repercussions, they would have helped the film grow.

IN THE MORNING OF LA PETITE MORT excels in its portrayal of interconnected lives against the urban tapestry of Taipei. The film's depth and visual storytelling captivate, offering an intimate look into the human experience within the city's confines. It's a narrative that strikes a chord, reflecting the multifaceted and nuanced nature of urban living.

The film offers a fresh lens on familiar themes by challenging conventional portrayals of sexuality in cinema and inviting viewers to contemplate human relationships' more profound, intimate aspects. Exploring themes such as compassion and exploitation adds richness to the film, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate character-driven stories.

One of the film's most significant achievements is its ability to immerse the audience in the lives of its characters. It's more than just a narrative; it's a representation of life's patterns in our world, showcasing its inhabitants' struggles and joys. The director's vision and the cast's compelling performances create an engaging and reflective cinematic experience.

While IN THE MORNING OF LA PETITE MORT has its hurdles, it is a testament to the depth of Taiwanese drama. It tells its story through dialogue, rich visuals, performances, and the subtle interplay of its characters' lives. This drama is worth your time for those who relish films offering a slice of life with an artistic twist. It's a film that still leaves a lasting impression with its unique portrayal of life in Taipei.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]

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