Lan Yu

Lan Yu is a Chinese film released in 2001 by acclaimed director Stanly Kwan. Lan Yu received rave reviews when it premiered at many notable film festivals (most notably Sundance and Cannes).  Lan Yu was the first film of main land China to show a full nude male on screen. The film was a gay-themed romance about a wealthy businessman that has a fling with a college student who seemingly wants more. The film stars Liu Ye as the young boy and Hu Jun as the businessman.

The films main character Lan Yu seems to be a lost young man taken under the wing of Chen. In the first scene of the movie Lan Yu is shown naked on Chen’s bed as Chen begins to seduce him and furthermore. This scene was a bit surprising because for some reason I didn’t expect that. Throughout the movie Chen and Lan Yu’s affair continues. In one occasion Chen actually brings Lan Yu to meets his parents, telling them that he is a brother of Chen’s friend.  Chen also showers Lan Yu with expensive gifts all in point to make Lan feel wanted. In one scene, Chen is actually caught in the act cheating with another young man, just like the average couple Lan runs downstairs with Chen chasing him shouting words of apologetic feelings. Adding to the drama, Chen is extremely depressed with his company in trouble and his new engagement with a woman he met. Chen leaves Lan Yu more than once to pursue the traditional values of marriage and family, but finds that he can't fulfill his societal duties.

 Ultimately, he has to learn to be true to himself, much as Lan Yu has always been. The acting in this movie is what makes it worth watching. We’ve all seen movies about two lovers, one falling in love with someone else but eventually redeveloping feelings for the person before. The writing is also descent. Visually there’s nothing special about this film. The cinematography, editing and score were ok. But I think what gave this movie its spunk was the strong performances given by Hu Jun and Liu Ye as Chen and Lan respectively.

I personally don’t think this movie will be one of my favorites this semester just because it was nothing to take away from this film. I honestly felt the same way watching the closing credits as I did popping it in my DVD player. I wouldn’t watch it again but I will recommend it to friend (only if they were into foreign dramas).