A heartbreaking family drama of love and memory has its world premiere at Slamdance
Part psychological thriller and part meditation on memory, filmmaker Erica Xia-Hou’s debut Banr truly defies category. The Chinese film incorporates a non-linear storytelling style, reflecting the mind suffering Alzheimer’s at its center. Elderly Mei (Sui Li) lives with her husband of 40 years, JianJun (Baoqing Li) in a walk-up flat. Their household roles have switched; Mei, who was the family caretaker, is now under the care of her husband as her Alzheimer’s starts to progress.
Xia-Hou, who besides directing the film also wrote, edited and plays the couple’s daughter Yun Yun, creates a claustrophobic feeling through the lighting of the apartment and the snug quarters. As Mei feels closed off from the outside and becomes overwhelmed with daily tasks, the visuals and audio allow the viewer to share her fear. Repetitive visuals and ping pong noises are blended in through smart editing. Meanwhile, JianJun’s exhaustion and aggravation are palpable, as well. Due to the immersive nature of the work, the first half of Banr is nigh anxiety-inducing for any empathetic viewer.
The second half, after Mei has been moved to a care facility, is less frenetic, but the raw emotion continues. The casting of non-professional actors makes it seem as if we’re glimpsing into this family’s real life. Baoqing Li is a particular standout as the frazzled husband attempting to hold on to a semblance of control and grasping at hope that Mei won’t forget him.
The editing and storytelling style in this slice-of-life film is visually engaging throughout. One of my favorite edits contrasts clips of JianJun and family dog Lele dozing off. The cinematography also switches at times to different character points of view, adding an additional layer to the film.
If the timeline remains a bit of a puzzle, this remains true to the cluttered memories Mei is left with as she lives on. Touching on themes of grief, surviving and memory, Erica Xia-Hou has crafted a deeply compelling and emotionally-charged work in Banr.
Banr premiered over the weekend at Slamdance Film Festival.
