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SKY
LOVER (2002)
Reviewed
by Andrew Saroch
The
first thing to be noted about this Chinese production is its
unorthodox idea of having a negative review of itself on the
back of the DVD. Quite what the marketing hierarchy thought
this would achieve is debatable, but, by the time the final
credits roll, it dawns on the viewer that there was a hint of
truth in the poorly chosen words.
Wang
leads a simple life in the mountains of China with his elderly
father, an existence that is altered when a young mute woman
arrives in the village. Initially she is blamed for a
subsequent accident that robbed Wang's father of his eyesight,
but eventually the village folk take the timid newcomer to
their hearts. The mute girl reveals that she has come to track
down her brother, though she stays much longer and helps out
Wang in his current plight. Gradually the two forge a close
bond even though they are unable to communicate with one
another properly. Nevertheless it seems that the mute girl
begins to develop feelings for Wang while his heart is
eternally reserved for his unrequited love Zhu Ling. This
unusual love triangle draws to its conclusion with each of the
three learning a little more about others.
The
superior Mainland Chinese productions have sought to weave
together a compelling story with images of a world very
different from our own. Directors like Zhang Yimou and Chen
Kaige revel in China's majesty while also examining its
society and the varied individuals who inhabit it. 'Sky Lover'
is unfortunately not able to achieve such a careful balance
and ultimately turns into an attractive travelogue of
mountainous China rather than a film with a real hook.
Director
Jiang Qingmin is unsure of what the real impetus of the film
should be; is it a love story or a musing on rural life in
China - the film-makers fail to take a positive step in either
direction. The mute girl enters the village under the pretext
of a search for her brother. However, this whole awkward
narrative thread is lazily used with little or no explanation
as to who he is or where he went. The girl is instead content
to put this urgent search on a back burner for a significant
portion of the film, leaving us wondering why the sub-plot was
introduced in the first place. The relationship between Wang
and Zhu Ling is also frustrating in its lack of structure -
Wang, in particular, has very few of the character nuances
essential for capturing the viewers' sympathies. The film's
dramatic ending - intended to be rich in symbolism despite its
surreal nature - is also undone by some hokey looking effects.
'Sky
Lover' is undoubtedly a breathtaking film. The awe-inspiring
photography of the vast mountains of northern China looks
particularly magnificent and its such potent imagery sticks in
the mind long after the rest of the superficial film has faded
from memory. Like an enticing travel documentary, 'Sky Lover'
leaves the viewer with a feeling of wonder toward its subject.
Unfortunately, it offers about the same depth, even though the
performers are talented enough to make the material live
longer than it deserves.
Rating:
 
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