Film Review: The Arrival of Wang

The art of diplomacy will be a hard thing when aliens finally decide to come search out Earth and find those arrogant human beings who’ve been throwing out their bad music off into space in search of life.  They’ll probably come to tell us to turn it off and we’ll decide they are invading.  The Arrival of Wang is not that type of situation, but it’s similar in a less humorous way.  It does raise the question though, when aliens do come to visit will we treat them as a possible ally or a spy infiltrating our society with evil intentions?

The Arrival of Wang is one of those films where it’s probably the best not to say too much about the plot as it will spoil it too much, but I will give a brief synopsis.  The idea is that “Wang” is being interrogated about his intentions on the planet earth, upon his arrival in Italy it’s evident he won’t get far speaking Chinese so a translator is needed.  As the translator is brought in as the go between she finds herself between the smooth talking Wang, and the arrogant angry official who wants to know Wang’s intentions.

The interesting thing about The Arrival of Wang is Gaia the translator and the effect the situation she finds herself in has on her.  She’s a very moralistic character and maybe naïve in the situation she finds herself in, and her judgements are questionable.  Wang as a character is interesting but very mysterious, he appears to be holding a lot back but talks of wanting to be friends and being there for peace but as a viewer we are never sure of his full intentions as we are given glimpses of flashbacks while the discussions take place.  Whether or not these flashbacks are from Wang himself or what believed scenario is never fully given.  This provides a situation that is hard to disseminate to find out what the actual truth is.  Even though we feel Gaia trusts Wang too much, it’s still questionable as whether the trust is right, and should she defend Wang so easily? (Yes, I know there have been plenty of smiles over the use of Wang in this review already).

The main noticeable performances in The Arrival of Wang are Curti the interrogator who we never know much about, he is played intensely by Ennio Fantastichini giving his character a feel of anger at the fact that Wang himself is being so secretive when events may already be in place that put the world at danger.  Then we have Wang voiced by Li Yong, he as mentioned is smooth and diplomatic, not understanding the situation he has found himself in.  It’s an interesting performance and even through the friendliness Li Yong is able to give the character a feel of being an enigma, or maybe he is telling the truth and came in peace? Then we have Gaia played by Francesca Cuttica, we see the story through her point of view and share her belief somewhat and her attempts to protect Wang are something to be admired.  Cuttica creates a likeable character that you somewhat pity for her choices and the way she’s been pulled into a world she has little experience in.

The Arrival of Wang is definitely an interesting film and entertaining, I’m not sure it will be to every bodies taste though.  Most of the scenes take place in an interrogation setting so it’s not the most action based film you’ll find, and it’ll require you to actually think about what you are watching.  Of course there are many that will like this style like me, so it will have an audience.  Interesting and thought provoking The Arrival of Wang raises a few questions on humanity, and although may not provide answers it keeps you entertained.

The Arrival of Wang is out now on DVD courtesy of Saffron Hill Films

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