Watch White Ant
- 2017
- 1 hr 35 min
-
6.3 (309)
White Ant is a gripping Chinese drama film directed by renowned filmmaker, Chu Hsien-Che. The story follows Bai Yide, portrayed by Kang Ren Wu, an eccentric and reclusive writer who is commissioned to write a biography of a famous painter. Bai is struggling with his own demons, including an addiction to gambling, as he tries to complete the project.
As he delves deeper into the life of the painter, Bai discovers that there are many inconsistencies and unanswered questions in the artist's life story. He begins to unravel a tangled web of secrets and lies that lead him to confront his own past traumas.
Bai's obsession with the painter's life brings him into contact with two women: Xia, played by Aviis Zhong, a mysterious and seductive woman who befriends him and becomes his muse, and Yundi, played by Tai-Yan Yu, a former lover who resurfaces after disappearing for years.
Xia's intentions are unclear, and Bai is never entirely sure if she is helping or manipulating him. Yundi, on the other hand, is bitter and resentful about their past relationship and uses any opportunity to express her anger towards Bai.
As Bai becomes increasingly fixated with the painter, his grip on reality begins to slip away. He suffers from severe delusions and has vivid hallucinations that blur the lines between reality and fiction. Bai's obsession soon spirals out of control, and his life begins to disintegrate.
The film explores themes of identity, truth, and mental illness. It raises questions about the nature of creativity, and the relationship between an artist and his muse. Bai's struggle with addiction and his inability to deal with his past traumas effectively underscore the harmful consequences of unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The performances in the movie are phenomenal. Kang Ren Wu delivers a gripping performance as the troubled writer Bai, capturing the character's complex emotions and inner turmoil. Aviis Zhong and Tai-Yan Yu also give powerful performances, bringing depth and complexity to the female characters they portray.
The film's cinematography is stunning, and the use of color is particularly impactful. The contrast between the dark and moody color palette used to depict Bai's inner world and the bright and colorful visuals of the painter's art highlights the stark differences between the two characters' realities.
White Ant is a beautifully crafted film that is sure to captivate audiences with its gripping storyline and powerful performances. It explores the complexities of the human psyche and delves deep into the nature of creativity and obsession.
White Ant is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.