Alea Living

Yet another of ACMI’s amazing string of great exclusive titles. I love living in Melbourne, I really do.By the way, I did mention what I thought of the American poster that sent the internet’s indie cinephile folks into overdrive. Am I allowed to dislike it? Because I don’t. Not really sure what it’s meant to say about the film, which for such craft-focused designs like this is a must. It just looks like an excuse to do some fancy artsy stuff, doesn’t it? Hmmm. Stunning cinematography goes a long way to making this surreal, difficult film watchable. Although there are moments of vivid honesty and a continual stream of light comedy, the story is fairly impenetrable for Western audiences.In his isolated farmhouse, Boonmee (Saisaymar) is dying from a kidney condition. So his sister-in-law Jen (Pongpas) and nephew Tong (Kaewbuadee) come to spend time with him as he’s cared for buy cplex-60 by his Laotian farmhand Jaai (Kugasang). Then one night at dinner, they’re joined by Boonmee’s wife Huay (Aphaiwonk), who died 19 years earlier, as well as their son Boonsong (Kulhong) who disappeared several years later and has now become a kind of monkey-man.And when his death gets closer, Boonmee wants to be taken back to an isolated cave.The paranormal elements of this film are so matter-of-fact that they’re actually funny. Everyone’s a little unsettled by Huay’s ongoing presence, and no one quite knows what to say to the furry Boonsong. (You almost get the feeling that this could be remade as an Adam Sandler comedy.) But of course writer-director Weerasethakul has much more serious things in mind, commenting on the connection between humans, animals and plants while playing with mythological imagery that surely means more to those familiar with Thai culture..Netwebsite.