Island Etude (2007)
Island Etude (2007) 6/10
Taiwan’s submission for Best Foreign Language Oscar after Lust, Caution was disqualified feels like a lightweight compared to Lee Ang’s masterpiece. The film certainly looks gorgeous and could double for an advert by Taiwan’s Tourism Board, and the film is an enjoyable meditative salve for those fatigued by Hollywood excesses. But just as it feels like a picturesque postcard, it feels lightweight and fluffy. Not all the anecdotes in the film work and some feel more labored but this is one film that will either prompt you to visit Taiwan or go cycling. Or both.
