Review

Beautiful in places, frustrating in others, Won Kar Wai's first feature length English-language film “My Blueberry Nights” is a story divided in to three segments, each following the same young and naïve woman as she explores America trying to find her place in the world.

The movie has some vibrant and colourful photography, especially in the “casino” segment, but it also suffers from being over stylised in places – especially with the extremely slow motion photography – a trademark of the directory – which appears in numerous shots.

Similarly, the acting of the lead character, Elizabeth – played by singer Norah Jones – is poor in place, but overall she is average and I've certainly seen a lot worse. Jude Law's accent is little too strong my liking, and it isn't helped that he had some very cheesy dialogue. Contrasting these two complaints, there was some great acting, notably by the three main characters in the second two segments; Natalie Portman as Leslie, the care-free gambling rich-girl – a character who is such a great contrast to Elizabeth, and David Strathairn and Rachel Weisz who appear in the depressing second segment – their performances are summed up perfectly below:

David Strathairn gives a memorable, finely crafted performance as Arnie, who is a cop by day and an alcoholic barfly by night. Rachel Weisz as Sue Lynne his beautiful, wild, estranged wife makes full use of her short time on screen to create a wayward, tumultuous character at once sensuous, and sensitive. Between them they steal the show.

IMDB review by mjsinclair

The final positive note, which stood out for me the first time I watched the movie, was the soundtrack. A beautiful blend of downbeat melodies by artists such as Otis Redding, Cat Power and the lead character Norah Jones.

The movie, as a whole, is above average. There are some disappointing pieces, but the movie is successfully held together by the experienced director, the characters, some of the acting and stunning cinematography.