The combination of sci-fi aesthetics with the concept of memory (loss) is one that has worked its way in a number of masterpieces, through the works of Satoshi Kon, to Ghost in Shell, to “Blade Runner”. Zhang Chi, in his second feature, bases his narrative in this combination, in a highly stylized action thriller.
“Annular Eclipse” is screening at Busan International Film Festival
The story takes place in 2030, when Alzheimer's Disease has become curable, mostly due to a breakthrough of a particular medical company named Brain Science Lab. Gen and Song are two contract killers who execute missions daily, and a highly effective duo, with the first being the “murder weapon” and the second the “brain”. Gen appears cooler than life, but suffers from constant nightmares, while during a mission which also sees the duo being chased by another duo of assassins, he realizes that one of his targets was an old acquaintance. Fragments of memories which he cannot be sure if they are real or not torment him more and more, and he finds himself saved by Song, with the two of them, inevitably falling in love. Something mysterious is happening though, and soon Gen realizes that his memories are being manipulated. Together with Song, he decides to infiltrate the Brain Science Lab, while a horrific brute is on his heels.
Zhang Chi creates a labyrinthic thriller, taking full advantage of the concept of perfect brainwashing, while playing with the idea of how identity is shaped by the past and the memory of it. The sense of disorientation he creates based on these concepts, as memories, nightmares and distorted realities are mixed together work quite well in a combination that lingers somewhere between “Blade Runner” and “Memento”. This loan approach extends to other parts of the movie, with the villain looking much like Bane from “The Dark Knight” trilogy, the duo of contract killers reminding of various similar duets, and Song's style of Daryl Hannah's Pris. The amalgam, however, works exceptionally well for the entertainment value of the movie and with the help of the rather impressive audiovisual approach, almost completely covers the many holes one can find in a story that borders on absurd after a point. The way Zhang implemented brief moments of humor also works quite well for the film, on the same path of impression, with the jazz dancing being the most surprising, and one of the most memorable scenes in the movie. Lastly, there are some social comments which are presented through metaphor about the practices of the “Big Pharmaceuticals” and the people who finally erupts against oppression towards the end, and a bit of philosophy and mythology but, for the most part, they are lost inside the action and the visuals.
In that fashion, Fang Yi's rather polished cinematography along with the SFX, is outstanding in every aspect, starting with the burning faces of the beginning, and continuing in the capturing of the various characters and the plethora of settings, with the night club and the Lab being the most memorable, in a distinct techno-noir style. The mixture with Xu Chao's occasionally frantic editing and Zhao Haohai's music results in a series of audiovisual extravaganzas, that remind much of music videos on occasion, while the action scenes are all exceptional in their sci-fi hyperbole. Peng Bo's production design concludes the visual prowess, in a film that can easily be described as “eye candy”.
Wang Ziyi as Gen and Liu Kejun as Song add to the visuals, both being gorgeous, while their cool, stylish performances fit the general aesthetics to perfection.
“Annular Eclipse” will not withstand much scrutiny in terms of its story, but the audiovisual aspect and the overall entertainment it offers will find much appeal among viewers who want to have a good time with their movies.
