![Silk [DVD]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51NckSlOMiL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
First the good news: I can understand the majority of high ratings in other reviews. This film looks fantastic and those used to Hollywood big-budget fare will not find it wanting.
The cinimetography is wonderful, and there are moments of simple, unadalterated beauty woven into the dark, rainy atmosphere. The scenes of the protagonist's cyborg sitting on a bench at the beach (within a hologram) are enchanting. Everything from her pose on the bench to the vibrant color that so contrasts with the rest of the film is profoundly affecting.
The special effects are first-rate, yet exist to provide an environment, not become the focus of attention.
Speaking of focus, that's the good and bad of this film. The acting is superb, but you can't concentrate on their faces because you have to read the subtitles. Dialogue dubbing has improved dramatically in recent years, and this film is begging for an English surround track.
That said, there are other problems. First, the gist of the plot is that a cyborg hunter cop is stealing AI chips in an attempt to extend the life of his expiring cyborg girlfriend, whom he has fallen in love with. Not a problem in iteself, but there is absolutely no indication for almost the entire film of any affection between them. Only in a flashback sequence at the end do you see any signs of the love they supposedly share. For the most part, she just sits around looking blankly at the ground.
Second, Natural City falls victem to the bad idea of filming the combat scenes too close. I don't understand why filmmakers do this, but all you see is twirling black-clad bodies that take up the entire frame, with no sense of their surroundings, then a quick cut to someone getting offed. Back up a little, please!
So, a mixed bag of the great and the bad. I want to rate it higher because of it's undoubted quality, but the lows sadly beat the highs. An English (or substitute your language of choice) track so you can watch the talented cast, better framing of the fight scenes, and a more genuine portrayal of the protagonist's relationship with his cyborg (this is the whole purpose of the movie, remember) would have made this an easy four stars. As it stands, it's a great visual and acting treat made sour by some poor decisions.
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