Ever since I saw The Ice Storm for the first time, Ang Lee became one of my favorite directors. I haven’t seen Brokeback Mountain yet, and Hulk somehow seemed unexpected film for Ang Lee to make – I’m trying to avoid anything too negative to say about that one. Maybe it’s worth another review, maybe not.

Lust, Caution is beautiful, beautifully directed film. It’s slow paced, with well thought out structure. The lead actors do an amazing job throughout and really bring the story together, the tension between them is holding the whole film together. Art direction and cinematography create a wonderful and slightly hazy atmosphere for the film.

If you’ve heard anything else about the film before, it’s likely you’ve heard about the sex and violence bits. While these elements in the film do add to the film, I think they’re getting too much attention really. They’re part of the film and Ang Lee’s done the best he could with those. They don’t have enough screen time to be the main part of the film even if they are integral to it. But then again, some people may find it’s a bit too much while others will wonder what’s the fuzz all about.

Beautiful work, well worth a watch, although I do like The Ice Storm more.