As I mentioned in my last post, I was lucky enough to catch two Mandarin-language movies in the theater last week. That was a huge treat for me and I wanted to commemorate it by producing a new episode of Mandarin Mutterings, but time is simply against me this week. So instead, I’m going to give you the low-down on these things here and you’ll have to go experience the magic on your own.

The Banquet
Directed by Xiaogang Feng

In the most original and compelling adaptation of Hamlet I’ve ever seen, Zhang Ziyi manages to elevate the role of Gertrude to the leading role, relegating the tormented titular youth to a more supporting part. No small feat that, but it works here.

This is a period piece, which the Chinese excel at like nobody’s business. Or maybe it’s just that their history is more pleasing to look at? Who knows. Either way, I was spellbound throughout the entirety of the film. Everything about it works, and works well. I had some hesitation going into this because I’m such a fan of Hamlet, but they took enough liberties with the source material to make this their own.

Oh, and for those of you not familiar with the Bard’s original work, Hamlet is not a romantic comedy. It’s a bloodbath. Now… put those things together… Chinese period drama AND bloody tragedy… and it can mean only one thing: KUNG FU!

Oh, yes, my friends. It’s Kung Fu Hamlet. It’s Hamlet Fu. You have never seen the like before!

Long story short: It’s a fantastic piece of work. Brilliantly written, acted… the works. It’s on DVD already, so get your hands on a copy and watch the sparks fly.

Lust, Caution
Directed by Ang Lee

Before I get into the captivating nuances of this film and you all rush out to your local art house theater to see this, I feel honor-bound to warn you that this film is rated NC-17 here in the States. To be honest, I think that was a bit of kindness on the part of the ratings commission. How this thing avoided an X rating is beyond me. I mean… I really enjoy Tony Leung’s work and I want to see more of him. But not this much more.

Seriously… ladies (if there are any ladies reading this), you might consider some form of contraceptive before going into the theater. You’re that close.

Now, all snark aside, I’m a little sorry that so much of what you’ll hear about this film will be wrapped up in the graphic sex. It’s an amazing story, with fine performances, great sets and costumes… it really hits the mark on a lot of levels. I’m absolutely staggered that this is Tang Wei’s first film. She really hits this out of the park.

It’s important to realize that the sex here isn’t gratuitous. It is entirely germane to the story and puts us in the literal skin of a character who is forced to bed down with a monster she wants to see dead. But at what point does the illusion become a reality? When does the part you play supplant who you really are?

This film is still in theaters and I can’t stress enough how fast you should run to see it. It IS graphic in its sexuality, but try to get past that. The movie deserves it.