Review of film: “A LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN” – Obsession is a BAD basis for actions

Review of film:  “A LETTER FROM AN UNKNOWN WOMAN” – Obsession is a BAD basis for actions  = 

                                        Rating:  7.5 of 10 stars.  

 

This was the 7th in the FREE every-Wednesday Summer series of foreign films hosted by the CHICAGO INT’L. FILM FESTIVAL (= CIFF) at the Cultural Center.

… Yes, it’s “DÉJÀ VU” all over again:  The subtitled Chinese film is set in the wartime years of the 1930’s & 1940’s &, as explained in a letter a woman anonymously sends to a once-famous writer as she’s dying, it tells the story of a girl who becomes intrigued by his arrival in the area where she lived…

…  The letter makes clear that the woman not only is KNOWN to the man, but that he met her a NUMBER of times, & each time made clear he DIDN’T REMEMBER their previous get-togethers. Her chronicling reveals that, as she grows older, her interest in him turns to obsession, & she eagerly accepts his actions towards starting an affair with her...

… That leads to her having a child she never tells him about, & her becoming an “escort” for well-to-do people. World War II & then the Chinese Civil War (between the Nationalists & Communists) intervenes in their lives, & yet they still manage to have periodic meetings with each other. Her fixation leads to a sad but fascinating conclusion.

[ Next Wednesday 7-29-09, the FREE movie is a Brazilian thriller “THE DAY OF THE HUNTER” about drug smuggling.  There have been “turn-away” crowds lately, so you’d be wise to arrive EARLY if you want to get a seat!  It was announced that this year’s 15-week series will expand to a 25-week series at Chicago’s Cultural Center next year. ]

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