"An erotic espionage thriller mostly set in Hong Kong in 1938 and in Shanghai in 1942, when it was occupied by the Imperial Japanese Army and ruled by the puppet government led by Wang Jingwei" - is the underrated description of the movie's synopsis. Yes, it has erotic. Yes, it's has thriller. But it's actually so much more than that.

It's Ang Lee's work for sure. His movies are never simple. I suspect it can even be made into long dissertation by film students! ^^
Both leads, Tony Leung and Rebecca Tang did a marvelous job. The whole movie is dominated with their presences. You can feel the tension between them, the progress of their feelings to each other. Is it lust? Is it love?
Until the final scene, I keep thinking how much of lust has turned into love and whether it's worth it. And is this what the title means, Lust, Caution since you'll never know how much you'll get burn by it?

It's a heavy movie. By the end of the movie, I was feeling exhausted, even during their sex scenes, I was not thinking about the sex but more to what does it mean to the both of them. I don't mind with the ending that people are mostly complaining about. It's the price that they have to pay and they know it before they start the journey.

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I read the book first then watch the movie, and both are great!
The book of course is more detailed than the movie but the movie portrays the characters, the spirit, the epic moment very well.
My first Matsyuda Ryuhei's movie and he does not disappoint. He acts as calm dedicated nerdy Majime so well, so very well that I am actually sad that the movie is only 2 hours long. It should be longer, covering more detailed scenes with him working on The Great Passage.
Overall, highly recommended.
If you are comfortable with reading, suggest read the book first then watch the movie - or.... vice versa. It doesn't matter. Both are great (I said that again, didn't I) ^^

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You had me at Jazz!

The moment I read the synopsis and it says 'jazz' in it.. I'm hooked.
And this movie does not disappoint.

Story-wise, it's nice. Love how it highlights the friendship and how music brings them together.
Acting is solid. Though some parts I feel a bit awkward, especially seeing Sen's swagger - but I guess that's the characteristic of Sentaro. I just thought it's a bit overdone. The rest is good.
Best part of course is the MUSIC! Every time Kaoru plays his piano or duet with Sen. Aside from the music, it's interesting to note the setting of the movie is in 1966 - when Japan is in the midst of economic growth and jazz rise in popularity. Not to mention, the influence of Christianity in post-war Japan.
Overall, if you're still not convinced, I would recommend you to watch this movie purely for the music! ^^

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I have watched both version (Japanese and Korean) and I love both of them.
Each has its own strength and characters - which is why though the story is the same, it feels totally different.
This version explores more about the human relationship: Hye won's relationship with her mom is explored in depth here, as well as her relationship with friends. It is also more dramatic with the opening part of Hye Won said she's coming back because she's hungry - the first punch of the dramatic flare - I love it!

The difference with the Japanese version (Winter & Spring, Summer & Autumn) is more in the story. Where J version explores more on relationship with nature, the K version is more on the story of mother and daughter. I'm glad the K version shows more of the mother's story and it finishes nicely.

The J version, on the other hand, only shows the tip of the iceberg of Ichiko and mother's relationship and the ending is too abrupt. But what I like about the J version is how calming it is and it shows more on human relationship with nature - which I totally loved. Its quiet and serene atmosphere feels just right to describe living so close to nature, away from the bustling of city life. The best part of the J version is the farming and cooking part, how to use seasonal ingredients to make the best food. Everything is simply made but looks absolutely delicious! This version is totally humbling me down. We take so much for granted from the mother nature and the J version seems to remind us that we should be thankful and not waste so much.

Too bad it's not explored in detail in the K version, but understandable since the K version is one movie whereas J version is made into 2 movies - so they have more freedom to fill in the story.

All in all, totally recommended. Try to watch both versions and see which one suits you the most.

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