Cyclo

This is a visually stunning movie, held neatly together by a compelling storyline and engaging perfomances from the principal actors. The film follows the fortunes/misfortunes of a young vietnamese Cyclo driver, innocently portrayed by Le Van Loc, who unwittingly begins an induction into the membership of a criminal gang. Tony Leung (of Ang Lee's 'Lust Caution' fame) puts in a charizmatic perfomance as a near mute, chain smoking gangster. Tran Nu Yen-Khe (quite possibly the most beautiful Asian girl I have ever seen) plays the part as the cyclo driver's sister but also the naive girlfriend of Tony Leung's character.

The story sweeps through the bustling streets of Vietnam's capital city, Saigon (HCMC) and you get a real sense of the hand to mouth exsistence of many of the cities inhabitants. Whilst the film ambles along at a measured pace, you never become bored due to the visual content and hypnotic performances of the actors. The few violent moments are rendered more shocking due to the casual pace pace of the film and it's beautifully orchestrated cinematography. There are one or two moments of pure cinematic genius including the close up shot of the Le Van Loc's face whilst he is covered in river mud. This is then followed by a delicate slow motion shot of Van Loc plunging his face into a goldifsh bowl. It's all very artistic but it's genuinely clever and well executed.

Having been to Saigon (where I purchased my copy of 'Cyclo' from a toothless crone at a market store) I cannot begin to tell you how accurate this film is in portraying the city. The persistant buzz of mopeds and honking of car horns, the heat, colour and mixture of smells. The film literally drenches you in all of these senses. A must buy.

I saw this one night when there was nothing else on the t.v. At first it slowly sucked me in with a compelling story , characters I identified with and beautifull scenery of Saigon (or Honoi?). Once the story started in earnest it had me on the edge of my seat. Really the story is about a innocent boy being sucked into a ganster lifestyle he has no comprehension of. Think 'City of God' in Vietnam.

I only saw this the once, many years ago bit I constantly think about it and often list it in my top films.

If you like ganster films with a realistic, unhollywood, unGuy Richie, feel, set in beautiful scenery with three dimensional characters try it!

Beautifully shot! Limited dialogue! The almost perfect foreign film