Uncle Boonmee is more than a film, it's a visual poem, it's a celluloid meditation and more importantly it's a Palme d'Or winning film that has split the audiences right down the middle. After its win the Cannes panel headed by Tim Burton had to explain/justify why they had chosen the film, the first time this has ever happened. The thing is the film isn't a straightforward story, you won't be spoon fed the plot and it's easy to see why people won't get along with it. It's a stunning collection of breathtaking set pieces interlaced with mythical stories, transcendental characters and Buddhist philosophies. From Uncle Boonmee himself to the ghost monkeys and with the constant sound of the countryside ringing around the auditorium the film creates an atmosphere that immerses the viewer, from the story of the queen to the stunning last resting cave, you travel on a journey through the movie finding as you go more hidden depths. Uncle Boonmee is one of those films that people will either love or hate and it will for years to come provoke discussion and debate. Almost Malick like in its poetic direction but with Thai sensibilities it is also not afraid to use humour and be light-hearted when dealing with deep and meaningful subjects such as love, loss, death and karma. But whatever is on the screen it will draw you in if you let it and it will stay with you long after.
