Bishonen

Bishonen is a 1998 Hong Kong drama film directed by Yonfan, and starring Stephen Fung, Daniel Wu, and Shu Qi. The meaning of "Bishonen" is "beautiful young man" in Japanese, and the film is a visual and emotional exploration of male beauty, love, and desire. Bishonen is a film that beautifully synthesizes elements of romance, heartbreak, tragic love, and societal commentary.

The core of the film is a poignant, delicately woven romantic relationship formed between the protagonist Sam (Stephen Fung) and Jet (Daniel Wu), who is a cop. Set amidst Hong Kong's bustling cityscape, the plot unravels Sam's life which straddles between his financial instability, his romance with Kana (Shu Qi) and the relationship which gradually but powerfully blossoms with Jet.

Stephen Fung's portrayal of Sam plunges the audience into the turmoil and complexities of his life. Sam, a good-looking young man in his early twenties, makes a living as a sex worker. He is intelligent, sensitive, and bears a heartbreaking past which has led him to the path he has chosen. He dreams of a better life while grappling with realities.

Daniel Wu, on the other hand, significantly portrays Jet, a handsome, masculine cop who battles his inner demons and silent desire for Sam. Despite his marriage and living in a society that shuns the perspective of same-sex love, Jet finds himself inexorably drawn towards Sam.

Shu Qi, playing Kana, brings an interesting dimension to the narrative. She is deeply in love with Sam and remains oblivious to his secret life for an extended part of the narrative. Her struggle, dreams, and desire for Sam add layers to the plot of the film.

The interaction and emotional interplay between these three primary characters form a significant arc of the narrative. The film meticulously dissects each character's perspectives and their complex relationships, giving an intimate look into their lives.

Externally, at the plot level, Bishonen, delves into the element of discovery of the self, handling of pain and grief, the depths of love, and the various shapes it can take. The narrative does not shy away from the harsh realities of life, instead choosing to portray them in a subdued yet impactful manner. Moreover, the film also contains a substantive commentary on the societal norms and perceptions about sex work, masculinity, and homosexuality in contemporary Asian society.

Internally, at a thematic level, Bishonen navigates human complexities of desire, unspoken love, and beautifully captures the beauty of young men. It serves as a representation of the human condition, the struggles one goes through in their personal lives, and the necessity and price of maintaining a public facade conflicting with personal desires.

Visually, cinematographer Henry Chung creates a rich, atmospheric tapestry for the film. The choice of locations, framing of sequences, and juxtaposition of lush, revealing close-ups against detailed wide shots, lend an air of sincerity and realness to the film. This aspect significantly contributes to the workplace's claustrophobic tension or the sense of liberation at other picturesque locations. Director Yonfan uses these visuals to accentuate the emotional depth of the characters, creating a visually stunning film that serves as a treat for the eyes, as well as the heart.

The film's soundtrack is also worth noting. The music in Bishonen spans across genres, from soft romantic tunes to melancholic melodies, amplifying the subtleties of the narrative and perfectly resonating with the story's emotional spectrum.

However, Bishonen isn't just a film; for many, it's an experience that pushes boundaries and traditional storytelling norms. It was considered a bold and progressive movie for its time. Its depiction of same-sex love, a topic still considered taboo in many societies in the late 90s, is both sensitive and tastefully done.

Summing up, Bishonen from 1998 is a beautifully packaged narrative that engages the audiences on multiple levels. The film adeptly manages to tread the line between being an art house film and a commercial drama with its tasteful narrative and compelling performances by the lead actors - Stephen Fung, Daniel Wu, and Shu Qi. Replete with remarkable performances, stunning cinematography, and a hauntingly beautiful score, Bishonen is a film that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers, long after the credits roll.