Movie Review: Inseparable / Cert: 12A / Director: Dayyan Eng / Screenplay: Dayyan Eng / Starring: Kevin Spacey, Daniel Wu, Beibi Gong / Release Date: TBC
This Chinese comedy takes a few notes from films such as Defendor, Kick-Ass and Super and makes an enjoyably silly melange of their themes and superhero styling. Kevin Spacey lifts the film from above average with his hilarious turn as a neighbour and shoulder to cry on to Daniel Wu’s suicidal soul. Dark comedy and wonderfully surreal images appear on screen as Director, Dayyan Eng, attempts to confuse the audience and put them off the scent – and it works for the most part.
Li (Daniel Wu) is having a tough time, his parents are recently deceased in a car crash and he has suffered the loss of a child. His relationship with his wife is at an all-time low and apathy and depression are sinking in. When he is at his lowest ebb, Chuck (Kevin Spacey), miraculously appears on his doorstep to provide a comforting ear. They become firm friends, don capes and take to the city to teach the bad guys and corporate sleazes a lesson. Pharmaceutical companies are the main target as Li blames them for the death of his child. The drugs his wife took during pregnancy were tainted through cost cutting. Corruption and capitalism in China are commented on underneath the surface of this superhero guise.
Spacey puts every silly bone he can into this performance, his appearances make for the biggest laughs with slow motion running suited in full superhero garb and he gets the funniest lines. Chuck first appears as a helpful character but soon turns into an antagonistic presence as he persuades Li to partake in some misguided activity. Eng gives Spacey grand moments in which to shine and he has a lot of fun with the role.
Daniel Wu takes on a more serious role in Li who is afflicted with depression. Most of his interactions with Spacey are incredibly funny, but the darker aspects of the film hinge on his performance and he does the role justice. It turns out Li is suffering from a brief psychotic episode and this leaves the audience questioning what is actually really happening in the film.
The attention to detail in some of the creations are fantastic, a hair clip that barks and a mechanical insect both intrigue and look fantastic. The costumes are equally creative and a flowering rooftop garden in which the two meet to discuss their plans adds to the eccentricity that surrounds their relationship.
Even though the tone is slightly uneven and the premise has been done better in the above mentioned films it is still entertaining, bizarre and worth watching simply to see Kevin Spacey smoke three cigarettes at once and appear through a door frame “here’s Johnny!” style.
Expected Rating: 6 out of 10
Actual Rating:
