Formula 17
Picture: B-
Sound: B- Extras: C- Film: C+
Yin-Jung Chen’s Formula 17 (2004) was banned in
Singapore just by being about young Gay males having a social life, which is no
surprise since Singapore lives banning everything. This is not because the film necessarily has explicit sexual
content, though that content is surprisingly limited considering, but because
the characters are happy together for the most part and cohere well in a world
where they co-exist with the rest of society. And to think it could have gone further.
What can one expect from a film with queer themes but
queerness, yet in a narrative film, where is it practically documentary and
actually helping the narrative? In this
case, the behavior is deemed sufficient enough to carry the story as if this
had never been filmed before. However,
it is not and despite being a commercial and critical success, it does not have
as much to offer, as it should have for its reputation. Its lack of political point and series of missed
opportunities is a shame. However, the
makers knew it audience and it was the only profitable narrative film out of
Taiwan that year, so now you’ll be the judge if you are interested.
The anamorphically enhanced 1.85 X 1 image looks good,
with clarity and solid color throughout.
There are details that are sometimes a problem, but otherwise are more
impressive than expected, thanks in part to consistent work by cinematographer
Hsi-Sheng Chen. The Dolby Digital 2.0
Stereo has healthy Pro Logic surrounds and the combination is good for a
production with a limited budget. There
are no extras except four trailers for other Strand titles.
- Nicholas Sheffo
