Lust, Caution (2007)

Turan praises the film as an intense, ambitious meditation on emotional and political deception. He especially singles out Tang Wei’s breakout performance for its startling intensity and emotional range.

Mackie finds the film absorbing and among the year’s best, praising Ang Lee’s subtle, intelligent approach. He singles out the nuanced storytelling and beautifully realised setting, which reward close attention.

Wise finds the film’s long, subtle build ultimately provocative and satisfying. He singles out Tang Wei and Tony Leung’s nuanced performances, especially the way Leung’s villain develops unexpected humanity.

The critic presents the film as a daring, provocative spy thriller. They single out its inspiration from 1940s films, especially Hitchcock’s Notorious.

The review describes Ang Lee’s spy romance as absorbing and important. It singles out an early scene aboard a stylised Hong Kong tram for praise.

The review finds the film a complex, elegant slow-burner whose restraint rewards patience. It praises the subtle performances and the way looks and gestures convey the characters’ motives and emotions.

Murray finds the film carefully constructed but emotionally muted. He praises its tense depiction of the revolutionaries’ mounting frustration, while criticizing the relationship’s unconvincing intimacy.

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Gonzalez finds the film’s erotic encounters and performances compelling, but criticizes its cautious storytelling and underdeveloped political motivations. He especially praises Tang Wei’s haunting portrayal of Wong’s conflicted sense of entrapment.

The critic says the film promises more than it delivers, despite its lavish elegance. The review particularly questions whether its handsome presentation works against the sprawling adaptation.

Lane admires Lee’s attempt to roughen his polished style but finds the film unsuccessful and overlong. He singles out the difficult, physically awkward intimacy between Wong and Yee, while faulting the film for taking too long to reach it.

Elley finds the melodrama largely bloodless and overlong, with too little emotional payoff. He praises the lead performances and boldness of the sex scenes, but says the conversations lack electricity and the Shanghai setting feels generic.

Bennett finds the film tedious, overlong, and lacking a point. He praises its gorgeous look and carefully staged scenes, but criticizes its flat acting and clumsy plotting.

The critic finds the film a finely crafted, slow-building thriller whose tension sustains its long runtime. They praise Tang Wei’s compelling performance and Ang Lee’s vivid period atmosphere.

Fischer finds the film emotionally stifled and unable to release its central passions. He praises Wei Tang’s performance and the rare moments when her character’s feelings break through.

Wilkinson considers the film a languid, overlong slog rather than a convincing exploration of passion. She particularly criticizes its implausible sexual choreography and weak characterization.