nate8

-fractured, intense, painful structure and stories reflect the presence of death -colorful characters with complex backgrounds and strong acting combine with the intensity of the structure -audience left with same discomfort and need for rest as characters

-tension builds in Leung's silences, Tang's glances, spy angst, and Japanese occupation, then explosive in sex and murder -title themes reflect emotions of the time, possibly Japanese regional ambition and international diplomacy (?) -good substories of acting, mahjong, and women's roles -big historical events not detailed or tightly tied to plot development

-sacking of Nanking characterized by historical reference to **** -clever plot structure juxtaposing highly sexual prostitutes and asexual church students, depicts some harsh realities but omits some scenes rather than going overboard for shock value -could have done more to reflect political positions in control, sale, experience, and morals in sexuality of characters (see Lust Caution) -beautifully shot war scenes and costume -American (Bale) and Japanese were stereotyped caricatures -characters not developed and background facts haphazardly added without connection to plot

-overly focused on listing historical names, events, arguments -grandiose statements and undeveloped characters created shallow unbelievable personal interactions