"Obsession is a young man's game," Michael Caine commented as John Cutter in The Prestige. His quote applies equally to the subjects of this week's thriller, a character-driven drama that shines for its gorgeous direction and exceptional attention to detail. And the Chinese soundtrack is very well done as well. So if you feel like a bit of a guessing game, listen in to our show and be sure to write echo@popupchinese.com if you think you can ID our mystery film for this week.
 said on
December 12, 2008
最危险的动物? I got it right away.

It's an odd movie to watch. When you know who the director is the style makes sense, and you appreciate more of the editing and pacing. Part of the achievement of the film is its packing so much information into such an accessible narrative.

There's nothing really spectacular about it that grabbed me right away otherwise, although parts haunted me over time. Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" had the same effect oddly, as did WTC. Usually takes a good director or some emotional connection to the source materials to trigger that sort of unconscious response. I'd be curious how many other people get this.
 said on
December 12, 2008
The Island of Doctor Moreau? I'm guessing not since that was a truly awful film. I'm still recovering from having seen it in the theaters.
 said on
December 12, 2008
I know this one as well. It isn't the Island of Doctor Moreau, although if I'm right that isn't a bad guess since the subject matter is fairly close.

 said on
December 12, 2008
我怎么好像从来没看过这个电影?猜到的能不能给点儿提示?
 said on
December 16, 2008
There's something vaguely familiar about this scene but right now the name of the movie doesn't come to me. It's the same phrase for me as it is for Orbital: 最危险的动物?

 said on
December 16, 2008
The background sounds don't exactly give it away, but if you figure out where the two men are talking that's a huge clue in and of itself. I think you'll be kicking yourself when you figure it out....
 said on
December 16, 2008
Saw it on HBO. 2 1/2 hours is pretty long, but the pacing was pretty good. Just wish history had worked out a more satisfying ending. Oh well. Case closed?

I don't hear any distinctive bells, trevelyan,..OK, phone ringing, but no clang.
 said on
December 16, 2008
The last scene in the Toronto airport seemed pretty damning. And handwriting analysis is a crock science anyway. So hopefully, yeah.
 said on
January 2, 2009
What's the answer to this one? I've been preparing to kick myself for not knowing for a while now...
 said on
January 2, 2009
@Lunetta,

非常好的一部电影,不过也有点儿恐怖。我们等david给大家揭晓答案吧——

--Echo

echo@popupchinese.com
 said on
January 2, 2009
Answer: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443706/.

Surprised you didn't get it Lunetta. :)
 said on
January 3, 2009
Kicking myself, and kicking hard...