Soundless Wind Charm

2009, 100 minutes, China/Switzerland


Soundless Wind Charm is an observational and challenging piece of gay cinema. It tells the story of Ricky, a Chinese guy who has moved to Hong Kong but still regularly communicates with his dying mother in Beijing. An act of fate brings him together with Swiss Pascal, who is trying to leave his abusive boyfriend which they then develop an unhealthy codependent relationship. While this story is told in fragment, Ricky travels to Switzerland and bumps into a dead ringer for Pascal.

One thing I can say about this film that it is slow. There is minimal dialogue and the story is really told through small observations made by the direction. It reminds me of the superior Be With Me. What makes the film enjoyable is the fact that every scene is so gorgeous which is complimented by very natural acting by the two leads. The contrast between the hustle, bustle and rustic feel of China and the white, cold Alps of Switzerland gave this film real exciting visual extremes.

Where this film went a bit wrong was in the fragmentation of the story. The director had placed different parts of the story all over the place, most likely to reflect the fragmented nature of life and love. However, just keeping up with what was happening and trying to fit the tiny pieces together was just too hard work for me to enjoy this film. I understand what the director was trying to do but it just did not work. Maybe a second viewing would be helpful to comprehend the story fully.

There were basic mistakes, like at times the subtitles merged in with the background which made them unreadable, but this merely reflects the low budget of the film. It was also refreshing that the film focused on just the pressures of their codependency rather than pressures from discrimination or pressures of the gay scene.

Anyone who has looked at my blog before will notice I am quite Euro-centric in my selection of foreign films and I do admit I generally prefer them. However, it is nice to dip my toe in another culture every now and then and this is one I have enjoyed experiencing, even if it was hard work at times!

3/5 - Fabulous detail but it was the structure of this film that let it down