“Lust, Caution” (2007) Review

3. “Lust, Caution” (2007)

Literature: Ang Lee’s “Lust, Caution” is a complex exploration of passion, betrayal, and espionage set against the backdrop of World War II-era Shanghai. It is based on a short story by Eileen Chang and is known for its slow-building tension and the exploration of moral ambiguity. The film’s literary adaptation adds depth to the psychological states of the characters, enhancing the thematic richness.

Plot: The film follows Wong Chia Chi, a young woman who becomes involved in a plot to assassinate a high-ranking official collaborating with the Japanese forces. Over time, she becomes sexually and emotionally entangled with the man she is supposed to betray. The plot revolves around the intersection of personal desires and national duty.