Film Review: The Soul –

This grim thriller set in the near future is layered and nuanced, providing surprise after surprise as the characters unravel the murder of a tycoon

By Han Cheung / Staff reporter

With twist after twist and suspenseful, nuanced storytelling, The Soul () makes full use of its 130 minute running time. Whenever things seem to be wrapping up, theres always something else in store all the way up to the very last scene, but in a way that makes sense and isnt too confusing.

Helmed by The Tag-Along () series director Cheng Wei-hao (), this mystery thriller has his fingerprints all over it with similarly subdued cold tones and Taoist-based supernatural elements. Set in 2031 Taipei, however, this film adds futuristic, sci-fi components to the mix to create a grim yet technologically-advanced cityscape devoid of warmth. It feels slightly dystopian, and the fact that the audience barely gets to see this world outside of the police station, hospital, criminal court and crime scenes, only adds to this unsettling atmosphere.

Gone are the jump scares and spine-tingling moments; instead the film moves at a deliberately moderate pace, just slow enough for each detail to sink in before the next surprise. This isnt horror. The Soul is purely focused on unraveling the mystery behind the murder of business mogul Wang Shih-tsung (Samuel Ku, ), who is found murdered in the opening scene with a cursed Taoist-based method that would send his soul to eternal hell. All signs point to his mentally unstable son (Erek Lin, ), who harbors a deep grudge against his father for neglecting his mother, but other suspicious characters close to Wang suggest that theres something much deeper and sinister.

Photo courtesy of Vie Vision Pictures

An emaciated, frail Chang Chen (), who shed 24kg within three months for the role, enters the fray as the citys top prosecutor, A-Chao. Despite being stricken with cancer, he spends the whole film getting to the convoluted bottom of what really happened as his health deteriorates. Changs harsh appearance and mannerisms fit perfectly with the bleak tones of the film, and his sublime acting really brings his complex character to life and serves as the engine that propels the movie.

A-Chaos pregnant wife A-Bao (Janine Chang, ) also pulls her punches (literally), not just as a prominent member of the citys criminal investigative unit but also as a loving partner who brings out the softer side of A-Chao that nobody else sees. The two mesh well together on screen as both lovers and coworkers, giving some tenderness to this uninviting city.

As they try to unravel the tangled web between Wang (who was also dying from cancer), his son, his ex-wife (Zhang Baijia, ), his current wife Li Yan (Sun Anke, ) and the corporations top scientist Dr Wan (Christopher Lee, ), things keep getting stranger and more intriguing, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

Photo courtesy of Vie Vision Pictures

While all have their acting chops down, Suns performance is especially layered and commendable.

Theres too much going in the plot to go into more without further spoiling it, but ultimately, the story is still about the humanity and relationships that drive the characters decisions. How far would one go for someone they love? This is the unifying theme that no character gets to avoid in this movie, no matter which side theyre on, and a decision they have to make for themselves.

And thats what makes the movie so powerful. As each layer of the mystery is peeled off, its not just the criminal details that are revealed, but also aspects of the characters that they spend the entire movie trying to hide.

Thats all that really can be said. Just go watch the movie, its worth your time.

The Soul

Directed By: Cheng Wei-hao ()

Starring:Chang Chen () as A-Chao, Janine Chang () as A-Bao, Sun An-ke as Li Yan, Christopher Lee () as Dr Wan

Languages:Mandarin and Taiwanese with English and Chinese subtitles

Running Time:130 Minutes

Taiwan Release: in theaters

Comments will be moderated. Keep comments relevant to the article. Remarks containing abusive and obscene language, personal attacks of any kind or promotion will be removed and the user banned. Final decision will be at the discretion of the Taipei Times.

Continue reading here:
Film Review: The Soul -

Reviewed and Recommended by Erik Baquero