Blissfully Yours (2002)

Simply put, “Blissfully Yours” is basically about a boy taking his girlfriend to a scenic spot in the forest by the mountains, one sunny afternoon. The plot however, despite its simplicity, is actually multi-layered as director Apichatpong Weerasethakul masterfully conceals and reveals information throughout the film, as he fully develops his characters in this 125-minute slice-of-life, delicately unfolding. Extra attention is required to fully appreciate its intricate beauty but patience is sure to be rewarded.

It begins inside a clinic with Min (Min Oo), accompanied by his girlfriend Roong (Kanokporn Tongaram) and the older Orn (Jenjira Jansuda), having his rash treated. Min is unable to speak as he pretends to have a throat infection; when in reality he’s an illegal Burmese immigrant afraid to get caught because he does not speak fluent Thai. The doctor treats Min but refuses to give him a medical clearance that he needs to get work, after failing to present a valid ID; meanwhile, Roong, a factory worker, leaves early to go to work. Min and Orn then visit the latter’s husband, whom Orn speaks of her desire to have a new baby; only to be disappointed as her husband expresses his apprehensions, because of their previous experience of losing a child. Orn then proceeds to concoct a mixture of lotion and vegetables, instead of following the doctor’s prescriptions for Min. Afterwards, Orn accompanies Min to visit Roong at the factory, who pretends to be ill so she can leave work early. Min and Roong then travel to an overlooking cliff to have a romantic lunch; while Orn fornicates with one of his husband’s co-workers, who leaves her in the forest after his bike gets stolen. Orn then wanders the woods and chances upon Min and Roong in a sexual encounter. The three spend the afternoon together, with Min and Roong seemingly locked in their romance, while Orn longing to be loved.

In its minimalism, the approach feels very real with its simplistic mise-en-scene and the characters’ natural acting. The film mostly employs static wide shots, economically cut with a sense of poignancy; allowing one to observe certain details in every frame, making each close up more potent. Although generally restrained, there is also playfulness with the camera such as in moments when it looks back while traveling down the road, like how it also trails within the forest as they trek. This strategic camerawork effectively maximizes beauty in every shot - manifesting oneiric and realistic imagery both at the same time.

Though I’m not certain as to whether real actors and heavy improvisation were utilized, the performances of the cast are undeniably perfect from their delivery of lines down to each gesture; with its main cast successfully evoking a sense of naturalness that is difficult to capture most especially in a “romantic” film. Even the portrayal of the doctor in the beginning strikes a chord, as she reminds one of the kinds of professionals who have the tendency to undermine clients with their expertise.

All this simply show how Weerasethakul is a genius when it comes to the recreation of reality in cinema – one who has both the eyes and ears for beauty, brilliantly and gracefully using them to offer his audience the most distinct of sensations that unquestionably bear his signature touch.