Invisible Waves (2006)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Pen-Ek Ratanaruang

Writer:

Prabda Yoon (writer)

Release Date:

2 March 2006 (Thailand)

Genre:

Drama | Thriller

Plot:

After inadvertently killing his girlfriend, a man (Asano) flees Macau for Thailand in an attempt to cope with his guilt, and avoid possible arrest. But the relocation doesn't prevent his problems from following him, as his new friends could be potential enemies.

Plot Keywords:

Foot Fetish | Ponytail | Loss Of Girlfriend | Adultery | Kitchen Scene

Awards:

3 nominations

Cast

Tadanobu Asano	...	Kyoji
Hye-jeong Kang	...	Noi
Eric Tsang	...	Monk
Maria Cordero	...	Maria
Toon Hiranyasap	...	Wiwat
Ken Mitsuishi	...	Lizard
Hideki Jitsuyama	...	Kyoji's Father
Tomono Kuga	...	Seiko
Hiro Sano	...	Hideki
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Vant Banditnopparat	...	Colleague 2
Chatchaj Bunditwetchakorn	...	Taxi Driver
Lei Ju Fong	...	Maria's compund staff
Nukun Hongthong	...	Thai Thug 1
Vararuk Kumprom	...	Man
Prompop Lee	...	Universal Cruise staff
Hau Woon Ling	...	Old Lady
Wong Chen Man	...	Maria's compund staff
Thiti Michelli	...	Kanchil
Yasuhiko Miyachi	...	Colleague 1
Auttharco Patthanodom	...	Bartender
Thanee Poonsuwan	...	Technician
Dhiranan Sukwibul	...	Wilai
Sorayis Tungomesakul	...	Nid
Fung Tse Wa	...	Young Monk
Cheung Jat Wai	...	Maria's compound staff
Pakawat Wisesmanee	...	Thai Thug 2
Suree Ch. Wiwat	...	Old Woman

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

Netherlands | Thailand | Hong Kong | South Korea

Language:

Thai | English | Japanese | Korean

Color:

Color

Certification:

Singapore:NC-16 | South Korea:15 | Malaysia:U | Australia:M (2007) | Australia:M (2006) | Argentina:13

Filming Locations:

Bangkok, Thailand

Company:

Dedicate Ltd.

Trivia:

Thailand's official selection for 2007 Oscar Foreign Movie entry.

Quotes:

Kyoji: Are you really a monk?
Monk: My father was.

Gangster meets Art-house

Invisible Waves is a movie about gangsters, loyalty, murder and revenge. Gangster movies are typically action packed with chases, fights and confrontations. Invisible Waves is a courageous film in that it only uses these traditional action elements to punctuate its mesmerizing and hypnotic pace. Depending on your perspective, this is either brilliant or boring.

Kyoji is a talented chef in Hong Kong who makes two big mistakes. First he has an affair with his boss's wife and then he murders her. Though his boss is a likable gangster with a big heart, he is a dangerous man when he has been betrayed. So Kyoji is in big trouble. He is also "the stupidest smart guy" and so naively entrusts his escape from Hong Kong to Lizard, someone he has never met, and climbs aboard a clapped out old cruise ship heading for Phuket. Before the ship has left the dock, we (though not optimistic Kyoji) begin to suspect that he has been set up.

Though Kyoji does not inspire confidence, blundering his escape and dawdling into disaster, we did find Invisible Waves intriguing and atmospheric. Unfortunately there are just too many irrelevant scenes; long, low or off centre camera shots; and lengthy silent pauses to make this film riveting. It also suffers from multiple random characters who seem as if they could be significant, but never amount to anything and so must be purposely pointless.

This is definitely a film that will divide audiences. Between those people who appreciate that art requires risks that may not always be successful and can still enjoy the attempt and intention; and others who abhor pretentiousness and are fed up with having expert cinematography compensate for poor construction and storyline. So whichever group you identify with, please conclude our verdict for Invisible Waves accordingly.