New(er) Review

This past Friday Indomina released a film called “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame” theatrically. The title (a mouthful) is probably not one that most have heard of, but for Hong Kong film fans it was something to get excited about. Tsui Hark, director of many acclaimed films and many debacles, always creates work that is of interest. I had ordered the foreign DVD from a seller in Hong Kong back in April, and reviewed the title for my brother's site shortly after. At the time, I absolutely did not like the film. I thought that it was dull and slow paced for a Hong Kong fantasy film, and was completely surprised at the talent involved. It felt like it was a waste.

Flash forward to this past Friday. Reviews for “Detective Dee” coming in from professional critics and pretty much every major film critic gave the film high marks. I read their reviews. I looked back at my review. I found myself hating every word of it. I have never felt more like an amateur in my life. Discussing the major differences between my perspective and the perspective of other critics with my brother, I finally told him that I wanted to revisit the film. I wanted to watch the film over again and give it a completely fresh review.

Upon second viewing I saw the film in a completely different way. The fight scenes that I previously had called boring, I now saw as slow paced, yet entertaining. The plot, which first seemed convoluted and unnecessarily confusing, now seemed simple. I have never had to re-write a review before and take back negative comments I had made, but now I had to. I did not mind this at all and actually felt like it was a liberating experience.

As a writer, reader, and viewer, I have to accept that certain things will change. Films that I despise could grow on me. Novels that I once hated could become favorites. In giving these works another chance, we open ourselves to create new, positive experiences where negative ones previously lived. Having an open mind when it comes to different works is crucial to our ability to teach. I may not completely understand the popularity of Sarah Dessin books now, but like with “Detective Dee,” my opinion and understanding of it could change. Given a year or two, I could be completely crazy about Sarah Dessin books. This is unlikely, but it could happen.