By Gregg Shapiro

Contributing writer

In theaters:

“Lust, Caution” (Focus)—Comparable in scope and spirit to Paul Veerhoeven’s “The Black Book,” this latest film from “Brokeback Mountain” director Ang Lee should resonate with viewers right now, given the Ken Burns World War II documentary “The War” in rotation on PBS, and, of course, the war in the Middle East weighing heavily on our minds.

“Lust, Caution” essentially covers a four-year period, 1938 to 1942, during the Japanese occupation of China. Wong Chia Chi (Tang Wei), a shy student, is recruited by a patriotic dramatic group led by handsome Kuang Yu-Min (Wang Lee-Hom) and soon finds herself swept up in the network of the resistance. Assuming the role of Mrs. Mak, the wife of an importer/exporter, she finds herself playing mahjong with the wives of powerful and politically influential men, led by Mrs. Yee (Joan Chen).

Fairly soon after making his wife’s acquaintance, Wong/Mak begins an affair with Mr. Yee (Tony Leung), the man who is targeted for assassination by the members of the resistance. Their erotically charged affair, which goes on for years, is played out on screen in graphic detail, which is what earned the movie its NC-17 rating. As you might expect, Wong/Mak’s love-hate relationship with Mr. Yee begins to lean more in one direction than the other, leading her to think with her heart, not her head, endangering not only herself, but her comrades. About 30 minutes longer than necessary, “Lust, Caution,” is nevertheless another stunning achievement by Ang Lee.

 

Limited runs:

The 43rd Chicago International Film Festival begins on Oct. 4 and runs through Oct. 17. Titles of GLBT interest being screened during the first week include “Men In The Nude” on Oct. 5, “Love Songs” Oct. 5-6, “Freddie Mercury: Lover of Life, Singer of Songs—The Untold Story” (a documentary) Oct. 6, “Before I Forget” Oct. 6-7, “La Leon” Oct. 6-8, “A Walk Into the Sea (a documentary) Oct. 7-9, “Surveillance” Oct. 9 and “The Witnesses” Oct. 9. For a complete schedule, including venues and times, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

“Shalom Ireland,” a documentary about Ireland’s remarkable yet little-known Jewish community, chronicling the history of Irish Jews while celebrating the unique culture created by blending Irish and Jewish traditions, is screened Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th. Call (773) 445-3838.

 

Oct. 5-11, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State, shows the critically acclaimed documentary “Shadow Company,” centering on mercenaries or 
private military companies employed by the U.S. in Iraq, which in the wake of the current Blackwater controversy makes this documentary screening very timely indeed.

 

“Sea Monsters 3D: A Prehistoric Adventure” opens Oct. 5 at Navy Pier IMAX Theatre, 700 E. Grand. Call (312) 595-5MAX.

Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark, presents Animating Life: A Tribute to Helen Hill (1970-2007), featuring brand new preserved prints of “Vessel,” “The World's Smallest Fair,” “Scratch and Crow,” “Tunnel of Love” and others, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m.

A film festival honoring the late Ingmar Bergman continues at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State, with the screening of “Fanny and Alexander” from 1982, starring Pernilla Allwin and Bertil Guve, Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Of the 23-song set list on “Circle of Friends,” the 90-minute Bob Mould concert DVD filmed at the legendary 9:30 Club in Washington, DC, in Oct. of 2005, more than half of the numbers are drawn from Mould’s work in other bands. That seems fitting since this show is as much about Mould’s music as it is about the kind of band he assembles to take on tour. The band, consisting of fellow out musician Richard Morel, Brendan Canty (of Fugazi fame) and Jason Narducy (of Verbow renown), tears through the six Husker Du and seven Sugar songs as if they, like Mould, were founding members of those outfits. The 10 songs they perform from his solo releases, a majority of which are drawn from his most recent “Body of Song” disc, are also well-received by the enthusiastic “hometown” crowd. Mould, who is not known for being especially chatty onstage, does appear to be grateful for the fervent reception the songs are given and cuts loose a bit during the introductions of the band. If you want more insight into Mould the man, watch the 10-minute intro in which he and his band members open up about their formation and tour. Bob Mould himself hosts a screening of “Circle Of Friends,” plays a short 30-minute acoustic set, participates in a live Q&A session and sells and signs DVDs for fans Oct. 9 at Schuba’s, 3159 N. Southport. Call (773) 525-2508.