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Thai filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul's Tropical Malady is a film of absolute originality and an incredibly unique vision. It's a film with very little narrative, but endless depth and beauty. Tropical Malady is a poetic film that captures emotions and feelings through it's astounding imagery and sounds. There's such a mysterious and magical atmosphere captured that makes this an incredibly absorbing film. I can't say I understand all the films meanings but the sheer mystical power of the images left me breathless, and repeat viewings only heighten the impact. The film is split into two segments which are connected (through both images and themes). The first half is a sensitive love story, while the second half becomes more mysterious and spiritual in evoking that of a silent film. Ultimately these two segments are very much connected and I believe they represent a similar theme of the film: the hidden emotions of connection and relationship, as well as the indescribable nature of human instincts and feelings. It is upon discovering the connection of the two segments that really make the mysteries of the film engaging, haunting, and really exciting to experience. Like innovative filmmakers Jean-Luc Godard or Stanley Kubrick, Weerasethakul is extending the boundaries of narrative and creating a new cinematic language. Weerasethakul's experimental vision is a brilliant achievement and the film is a work of art. Tropical Malady is artistic filmmaking at it's most beautiful and unforgettable. A film of cultural and spiritual mystery, and poetic beauty.
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