Suffering from acute kidney failure, Boonmee has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, Boonmee treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave—the birthplace of his first life.
It playfully invokes both the lifestyle and animistic beliefs of the Northeast country folk, and the primitive magic of early Thai cinema, relating both of these to his musings on reincarnation.
– Maggie Lee,
Hollywood Reporter,
29 Apr 2011
fresh:
While the result is pretty much the definition of a film that should be experienced, not explained, there's no sense here that Weerasethakul is being difficult for difficult's sake, or even attempting to conceal his mysteries.
– Justin Chang,
Variety,
29 Apr 2011
fresh:
As is to be expected, Weerasethakul frequently abandons the story for trancelike contemplations of nature, but never before in his work has the device felt more purposeful.
– Ben Sachs,
Chicago Reader,
29 Apr 2011
fresh:
This is a film that wants to be interesting, and it certainly is that. Whether you want to dine with the ghost and the monkey-man or not, they bring a new perspective to the table.
– Tom Long,
Detroit News,
29 Apr 2011
fresh:
Weerasethakul's sincerity is evident, though the film's meditative pace and vague philosophical undertones will not be for everyone.