Last Life in the Universe
New York Premiere

Last Life in the Universe

| 112 MINUTES | Thai

With his latest feature film, Pen-ek Ratanaruang proves to be one the most prolific and exciting directors to emerge in recent years. Last Life in the Universe pairs Ratanaruang with internationally acclaimed cinematographer Christopher Doyle and Japan's leading actor, Tadanobu Asano. The collaboration results in a glorious surreal love story laced with magical realism that crosses physical, geographical, and, ultimately, emotional boundaries. Kenji (Asano) is a Japanese librarian's assistant living in Bangkok. His quiet lifestyle complements a mysteriousness that masks his obsessive-compulsive and suicidal behavior. Kenji's path becomes disrupted when Nid, the Thai woman whom he spies on between the bookshelves, dies. By some force of the universe, he befriends Nid's sister Noi, and the two embark on a relationship underscored by impending devastation. Noi lures Kenji back into the realm of life's chaotic pleasures, connections, and loss, just as she is about to leave for Osaka. Eventually Kenji's past and present converge as a trio of Yakuza come looking for him in Bangkok, adding a touch of humor that plays with one of the film's motifs of timing in life and "what if" scenarios. Kenji and Noi leap to life on-screen via the masterful restraint of Tadanobu and Thai actress Sinitta Boonyasak's strikingly beautiful and delicate performance. Last Life in the Universe, with its entrancing atmospheric tone, is an eloquent experience in cinema framed with alluring subtlety and haunting images.

* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.

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