Christopher Doyle, almost the designated guy for the cinematography of all WONG Kar-wai's movies, started his first direction. Now his first direction 'Away from Words' came out and his movie was shown in the current Cannes Festival. Now it's showing in Hong Kong for 6 shows, one show a day at Broadway Cinematheque.

'Three Guys' -- Chinese titles of 'Away from Words' has described the story -- it's about the story of three guys -- Asano (Tadanobu Asano), Kevin (Kevin Sherlock) and Susie (Mavis XU). Asano leaves from Okinawa, where he grew up and jumps ship in Hong Kong looking for something for his minds. He settled at Dive Bar, owned by Kevin. Kevin is really a drunk guy from time to time. Kevin seems to be a guy being drunk and being around for every moment. By accident, when Kevin came to his girl's home, he met another girl Susie (Mavis XU). Then all their memories were flown up in front of our screens.

Before i further comment on the movie, I have to note you two things. First, 'Away from Words' are in mainly English plus a bit Japanese and Cantonese while there is no subtitles for the movie except English subtitle for the Japanese and Chinese part. Second, this is really like an art film style. If you are not prepared to see these films or you are reluctuant to these stuffs, please quit and choose other movies.

When comapred with his cinematograry with WONG Kar-wai's movie, tis time Christopher Doyle made lots of use of fast forward and backward method to show the memories of Asano's child times. For some of the scenes, you may find the darkness frustrates from time to time to show the ripples in their minds.

I consider Asano and Kevin in the movie shows a hugh contradictions on lifes. Asaon cares about lots of stuffs in his life and he really want to find something he'd like to. To Kevin, he is a guy very optional as he forgets almost everything from time to time. The interaction between them in the Dive Bar is interesting. Chris plays the tricks of out-foucing to show their relationship, which is appropriate.

For the story, I think it is not easy to understand. Sometimes, I wonder if Chris would like us to understand the movie or not. Both Kevin and Asano are losers in their life and they use different methods to face life. For Asano, you find there are lots of blue color in his scene. Blue is a kind of cold color which shows the loneiess of Asaon.

In short, I consider the movie is interesting. However, whether it is a suitable movie for you or not really depends on whether you are at the same frequency or not.