I watched the Cantonese movie Night and Fog on the flight from Singapore to New Delhi.  It follows the abusive relationship of mainland immigrant Wong Hiu-Ling to her marriage to a much older Lee Sum. Its harrowing and dark, yet all together gripping and impressive. For example, the first thing which occurs in the movie is the news report of Wong Hiu-Ling’s and her two young daughters murder and how the husband is convicted.  The rest appears in a series of flashbacks.  What sets it off is, unlike Hollywood cinema the movie, is not glamorized or depreciated from weak stomachs, rather raw and instinctual. Ann Hui scores as a director, the movie is focused, the characters are developed, and the cinematography is well done. And while occasionally Ann Hui thematic leanings, Lee Sum oversteps into almost being an unreal stereotype, it seems that in whole the situations are more “real”. Despite being able to stomach all the Saw /Hostage/Schadenfreude movies , I had to turn away.  It’s brutal. But after watching it, I thought a cheery episode of the likewise well-written madmen would perk me up, and the jarring emotion from the movie would not linger.  I was wrong.  I must have tried 5 different options, yet the movie lingered.  After watching a movie that well done, it’s hard to settle for less.

In the end of the day, this movie is not recommended for everyone. I would not suggest my parents watching it, or really any of my friends.  It’s too brutal.  Though, if you are the rare individual like myself who prefers watching subtitled films which make you feel like you are in the pits of despair over watching The Hangover then this movie is for you

********1/2 out of **********

-          Chrissy