Michael Cox’s review published on Letterboxd:
"Be kind… especially when you don’t know what’s going on." - Waymond Wang
See where it ranks among my top films of 2022!
A24 Ranked
My Favorite Leading Female Performances of All-Time
The 5 Star Club
How do you know when you've watched an all-time great film? You know when you watch something that will redefine what the medium of film can do for years to come. It's a film that many others will try and fail to replicate the magic that was the original. It's challenging in its way of storytelling, but accessible in substance. There is a focus on making something entertaining but never loses the artistic merit.
It throws everything at the wall except the kitchen sink, but instead holds that sink close to its heart in a bear hug and doesn't let go to make sure it radiates that emotional resonance. In fact, there's so much movie in here that it should be overwhelming and it is, but by the time the dust settles and the credits have rolled, you just want to sink in your chair and let every feeling you've bottled up, out and appreciate the life you've been given.
The film is hilarious and weird and hyperactive and unpredictable and creative and sweet. It is exactly what audiences and critics have been dying to have for some time. People want fresh and original, this is exactly that. I don't think I've seen anything like it and I don't think I ever will again. I mean, sure, the film plays homage to so much of cinema. There's a coming-of-age aspect, family drama, a romance (Wong Kar-Wai specifically), kung fu action, crude and clever comedy, sci-fi, animation, documentary, and even that weird arthouse part of the medium, but it never forgets to be what it is.
Yes, at times, it may feel like it doesn't know, but it does. It stays consistent despite upping the ante every chance it gets.
The film has its share of darker moments, like at one point, it does feel like a horror film and at times nihilistic. But it counters all of that with relentless warmth and outrageousness. Despite all the craziness and dark things life throws at us, it's kindness that will break through all of it to bring some sort of sense to the world. Nothing matters. All that does matter is the here and now and what you do with it. Be the good in the world. Be kind.
Daniels have created something special. Michelle Yeoh (Evelyn Wang) delivers a career-best, Stephanie Hsu (Joy Wang) was incredible, and Ke Huy Quan (Waymond Wang) is both heartbreaking and sensitive. This film features some of the best editing I've ever seen and I want everyone to see this as soon as possible. It's one you won't regret!
5/5
