Zhe stands out among his fellow real-estate agents, despondent and disconnected from the ‘team-building' environment that pushes salespeople to be their best. He takes this disconnection to his most recent property, where he listlessly wanders before deciding to call an escort service. Under the guise of the home being his own, the two play out the role of loving husband and wife, imagining where the appliances will go and how their daily interactions will play out as a newlywed couple.
Right Jabs is screening at Osaka Asian Film Festival
“Right Jabs” is a wonderfully playful look at the disconnection in the modern era, with a protagonist playing through the roles handed down to him with complete boredom and desire for something more sensational. However, what makes Zi-En Wu's short film work so exceptionally well is how it circles around that need for structure and normalcy; a fleeting moment of rebellion against a fundamental truth of what it means to be human.
This approach is also where the short works best as a comedic experience, albeit with a dramatic flair. Notably, Zhe finds his desire to sell a house again after he invites an escort into the property claiming it is his own. While one gets the impression his career is stagnating due to disinterest, his zeal under the guise of showing the woman how she could turn the property into a home summons his inner salesman. In this regard, both actors shine in the cute, but brief, attempt at playing ‘house' together.
Follow our tribute to Taiwanese by clicking on the image below
Visually, the movie is well shot and has a nice flair, despite largely taking place in the confines of an empty apartment. Zi-En Wu has a knack for catching that contemplative gaze. Still, the movie taking place primarily in a single location can only be pushed so far. The score does help compliment the barren environment, and the opening dance/song to cheers of sales people starts the short of on an energetic note that carries into the rest of the production by comparing Zhe's sullen demeanor to that of his colleagues.
The approach and message of the film is pretty singular in its scope, and a short synopsis can easily show both what happens and the subtle themes explored such as duty versus the desire for ‘freedom,' (as vague as that concept is to the protagonist). However, there is still charm in experiencing the movie itself, and a nice revelation at the end that acts as a redemptive arc for the apathetic, sex worker user that initially gives one a slightly negative impression of Zhe.
Overall, at 20 minutes, “Right Jabs” is engaging and gets its message across with clarity and style despite the confines of its small space and budget.
