Movie: Se, jie (2007)

(Lust, Caution)
Premiere: 2007
Country of origin: Taiwan, USA, Hong Kong, China
Director: Ang Lee
Writer: Eileen Chang, James Schamus, Hui-Ling Wang

Production Companies: 
Haishang Films, Focus Features, River Road Entertainment, 
Sil-Metropole Organisation, Shanghai Film Group, Shanghai Film Group Corporation

Genre: Erotic, Thriller, Drama
Runtime: 2h 37min
Starring: Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Tang Wei

When Lust, Caution was released, it became one of the most controversial films of the 2000s. The film gained worldwide attention because of its explicit scenes, which led to censorship and different versions being released in different countries. The controversy also caused problems for the lead actress, Tang Wei. But behind the controversy is a much more complex and tragic story.

The film is based on the novella Se, Jie (Lust, Caution) (1979) by Chinese writer Eileen Chang. While the story is fictional, it was deeply influenced by Chang's own experiences of living through the Japanese occupation of Shanghai during World War II. The uncertainty, fear and moral compromises of that time shaped the world in which the story takes place.

One version of the book from 1979

The film begins like a spy thriller, but slowly transforms into something much more personal. It becomes a story about identity, manipulation, passion and the dangerous connection between two people who are both trapped by the roles they are forced to play. 

 

Set during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai during World War II, Lust, Caution follows Wang Jiazhi, a young woman who becomes part of a resistance group formed by university students with a background in theater. Their mission is to assassinate Mr. Yee, a Chinese official working with the Japanese occupation government. What begins as an act of deception becomes far more dangerous as Wang risks losing herself in the process.

 

Secrets, lies and performances become the foundation of their world.

One of the first things that stood out was the incredible recreation of the era. The clothing, the cars and the atmosphere of 1930s & 1940s Shanghai are beautifully created. The fact that they built such a large street set helps sell the feeling that we have truly entered another time period.

But underneath the spy story is a much deeper and more tragic story. It is about holding on to your beliefs and your mission, while also fighting against losing yourself. It is about passion, manipulation and the dangerous places where human emotions can take you.

The film's intimate scenes are certainly raw and intense, but they never feel like they exist only to shock the audience. They are not simply erotic moments, but an important part of the story that reveals the complicated relationship between Wang Jiazhi and Mr. Yee. There is desire, but also power, control and emotional conflict.

Tang Wei gives an incredible performance as Wang Jiazhi. Watching her character develop from a young theater student into someone carrying an impossible burden is devastating. She captures the painful transformation of a person who enters the role as part of a mission, only to become emotionally trapped inside it. The conflict between duty, identity and her own feelings is shown with incredible depth.

The role also came with a real-life cost for Tang Wei. After the film's release, she faced a ban from appearing in films in mainland China because of the controversy surrounding the movie. However, she later returned to acting and has since become one of the most respected and prominent actresses in Chinese cinema.

What makes her performance even more impressive is that Lust, Caution was one of her first major film roles. The emotional range and complexity she brings to Wang Jiazhi is remarkable, especially for such an early point in her career.

Tony Leung Chiu-wai gives Mr. Yee a commanding performance. Through his calm authority and controlled presence, he creates a character who feels powerful and intimidating, while still keeping a layer of mystery beneath the surface.

Lust, Caution is not a happy film. It is a dark story, but it is told with such realism and intensity that I found myself completely absorbed. During the most suspenseful moments, I felt transported into this world, which is something that is becoming harder to achieve with modern films.

Rating: 10/10
The combination of raw passion, darkness and psychological tension creates something unforgettable.

IMDB
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0808357