Why lesser known parallel plot-line dramas are the best around.

The Air I Breathe.

In his first feature in about 8 years Jieho Lee absolutely hits a home run. No rephrase. This was a complete Grand Slam. Its been a few hours since I finished watching it and I'm just still thinking about it, the sign of a true cinematic connection.

What is so unique about this film is that it masterfully plays the parallel plot lines perfectly. While other ensemble dramas get too entwined, making it difficult to believe that all of these people are connected somehow, TAIB pieces it together brilliantly. To be the worst kind of cliche it is an onion where you keep peeling and peeling pieces of the story or characteristics of the characters back and the closer you get to the center the more poignant and powerful it becomes. At no time did I feel that these outrageous things these characters were going through were unbelievable, that is how Lee's direction just brings you in.

The cast was excellently assembled. At first glance they would not be ones you would think would or should be in a movie together yet once on screen you see them as their characters and each one draws you in to that characters mind. What is so powerful about this movie and what truly makes it work is the actors. The script and plot alone are good but just one wrong casting in any of these roles and the whole experience could have been lost in a second. Until the end of the credits I didn't notice that I knew none of the 4 lead characters names. Still that doesn't matter because you know them beyond that and you are so wrapped up in finding out what happens to them next.

It is difficult to discuss a movie like this without giving too much away and at risk of not representing its true effects properly. It is one of those lesser known films that just sneaks onto DVD, to be passed up by most renters for a more popular flick. Still taking a chance on such an unconventional plot and cast really makes its mark on the audience. Or at least it did very much so on me.

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