“Limbo” Theatrical Poster
Director: Soi Cheang Pou Soi
Cast: Gordon Lam, Cya Liu, Mason Lee, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Fish Liew, Sammy Sum, Hanna Chan, Kumer
Running Time: 118 min.
By Martin Sandison
In recent times the news from Hong Kong has gone from sad to devastating, especially for the Hong Kong film fan, as the mainland prepares to bring in a law that will censor films that have a perceived ‘threat to national security’. When I read this, I thought: that’s the death knell for Hong Kong cinema as we all know it. And while I’ve enjoyed some recent genre offerings such as Ip Man 4, the style and spark that I love so much seemed to be dying.
The advance word about Limbo was very good. I read an interview with Soi Cheang, and my excitement started to grow. Then a few people I know were raving. The words ‘masterpiece’, and ‘instant classic’ were bandied around. But, let me tell you, nothing prepared me for this bombshell of a movie. As I watched, the usual thoughts went around in my head about how to write about it. Nothing seemed right. Then a clear thought emerged: ‘Use as little words as possible. This film is one to be experienced.’
I’ve decided to follow my inner voice, which is the best way to live. So this will be my shortest review.
If you have any love for the thriller genre, if you love style married with pure substance, if you have a strong stomach, if you have that intense, at times all-consuming love for Hong Kong cinema, and cinema in general, you MUST see this movie.
In today’s world of instant gratification, of the digital world, I sometimes struggle to concentrate on watching films, even if they are very good. From the opening shots of Limbo, I couldn’t look away from the screen. I was 1 million percent immersed.
David Lynch, one of the masters in cinema history, once said he loved creating new, imagined worlds in his movies. Worlds that transcend reality, that feel and make you feel intensely alive. The best directors do this. Soi Cheang has now joined their ranks. Limbo is up there with the best of Woo, Lam, Hark, To.
As the credits rolled, and the sad, bleak, brutal, brilliant story ended on a note of hope, I sobbed. For the knowledge that Hong Kong cinema can still create a masterpiece, that the flame isn’t out yet. It still burns.
Martin Sandison’s Rating: 10/10
Thanks for this heartfelt review, Martin. Hong Kong cinema forever.
Thank you.
I really want to see this in color. I’m not digging the black and white.