Artistic n Touching

Rating: 8/10 (23 May 2012)

I haven't seen many Chinese movies before but had to see this due to Bale's presence and I am glad that I saw. Great movie on the summation of beautiful photography, neat(but sometimes over the top) acting and few good war set-pieces. Christian Bale shows why he won the Oscar with a performance that shows transformation from a filthy persona to a responsible one. His facial expressions are a treat to watch particularly when he tries to conceal the truth with the Chinese girls. If you are a CB fan, you have to like the ending of the movie just because of the signature look on his face while driving away the truck. Ni Ni, the female lead is beautiful and does her part well. I thought the buildup of romance between Bale and Ni Ni was very well done, reminiscent of the traditional Asian way in which a male has to win over the heart of a female to make love. The pace of the movie is not tearaway and it moves at its own pace and I think its justified with the emotions in play with the characters. Direction is top notch on the strong base of a lavish production. Overall, I would recommend this movie to war film enthusiasts and also others.