I half-expected Hercule Poirot to walk in at any moment.

I want to watch this again while sitting under an umbrella in the rain.

I watched this film twice. I only started to understand it towards the end of the first watch. On the second watch, time flew by: I was mesmerized. The more of I watch of Tsai’s films, the more I fall in love. Longing is palpable in every shot.

This is my first time seeing Ida Lupino in a film: I thought she gave an interesting performance throughout but it was at the end that I finally understood her power. Lupino’s presence, conviction, and star power made the ending satisfying rather than a trite little shrug it could have been otherwise.
Not only did she do well but the entire cast did a great job. I’d watch this underrated gem again and with pleasure.