Goodbye Dragon Inn

Reviewed by Shelley Cameron

for Reel Movie Critic

HHH

Directed by Tsai Ming-Liang. Drama. Not Rated. 81 minutes.

In Mandarin and Cantonese with English sub-titles.

From the director of "What Time is it There?" this sweetly sad and unique chronicle of the last day in the life of a once thriving Taipei movie theater follows the few remaining patrons, the projectionist, the cashier, and the looming empty presence of the mostly empty theater itself. With tin pots strategically placed to catch leaks from the constantly falling rain that floods the lobby, the two employees perform their tasks for the last time. On the final bill for the once regal theatre, the fitting closing feature is King Hu's martial arts classic "Dragon Inn," which graced the screen in better days along with other films of decades past. One of the theatre patrons on this last day has brought his young grandson to quietly watch his grandfather in his glory days on the big screen as a sword-wielding actor, for the last time.

The film's 81 minutes are filled with the smallest of moments all will recognize. With only a handful of patrons in the cavernous old theatre, one chooses a seat too close for comfort to another. With no customers, the cashier limps about her rounds tidying the restrooms and tending the box office. This is the real-time version of the last picture show in Peter Bogdonovich's film of that name, without the backstory. The long slow takes allow us to feel as if we are actually present, and to really ponder what is happening. This is about the unceremonious death of a place many hold dear. Anyone who has ever watched a beloved old theatre fall into disrepair or mourned its closing, will appreciate this bittersweet slice of life.