Scare Out: A Stylish Yet Substance-Lacking Spy Thriller
In the 1980s and 90s, Zhang Yimou, a renowned Chinese filmmaker, was celebrated as a key figure of the 'fifth generation' of Chinese filmmakers. This generation, including Chen Kaige and Tian Zhuangzhuang, broke away from the socialist realist style of their predecessors, earning acclaim for their unique artistic vision. Zhang's early works, such as 'Ju Dou' and 'Raise the Red Lantern', showcased his talent for lush visuals and kinetic action sequences, as well as his ability to cast exceptional female actors like Gong Li and Zhang Ziyi.
However, in today's politically and culturally different landscape, Zhang Yimou's reputation has shifted. He is now seen as an establishment figure, known for his work on state-sponsored events like the Beijing and Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies. This shift in perception raises questions about the separation of art and politics, especially when considering Zhang's latest film, 'Scare Out'.
'Scare Out' tells the story of spies trying to uncover a mole within their ranks who is smuggling sensitive technology to Western adversaries. The screenplay, credited to Chen Liang, focuses more on personal loyalty and relationships rather than ideology or technology. The film's central plot device, a super-secret military technology, takes a backseat to the high-tech gadgets and drones used by the spies in the futuristic setting of Shenzhen.
The film opens with a flurry of aerial footage and snappy edits, showcasing the spies' movements. The narrative jumps between the black-clad spies, led by Huang Kai, and their street operations, led by Yan Di, played by Jackson Yee. The pre-publicity hype draws comparisons to John Le Carré, but cinematically, it resembles a fusion of 'Mission: Impossible' and the Hong Kong-based 'Infernal Affairs' franchise, which was later adapted by Martin Scorsese as 'The Departed'.
While 'Scare Out' lacks the psychological depth of the original 'Infernal Affairs' film, Zhu Yilong's portrayal of a spymaster with secrets and a scandalous affair adds depth to the story. The final 15 minutes of the film are a whirlwind of twists and turns, showcasing Zhang's exceptional command of the craft. Despite the lack of substance, Zhang's style and visual prowess shine through, leaving audiences with a thrilling yet somewhat hollow experience.
