Watch Present Perfect

Present Perfect is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking drama film from 2017 directed by Shui-Bo Wang. The movie tells the story of an unlikely friendship that forms between a young Chinese woman named Xiaobin and a Thai woman named May. Xiaobin comes to Thailand to learn English, while May works as a caretaker for her aging grandfather.

As Xiaobin struggles to adapt to her new environment, she finds solace in May's company. The two women bond over their shared experiences of loneliness and isolation, and begin to develop a profound bond that transcends language and cultural barriers.

What makes Present Perfect such an interesting and unique movie is the way it explores the intersection of language, technology, and identity. Xiaobin is studying English not just for practical reasons, but because she believes it will provide her with a gateway to a new identity. She is fascinated by the idea of reinventing herself in a new language, and sees English as a path to self-discovery and personal growth.

At the same time, the film also explores the impact of technology on our relationships and sense of self. May's grandfather has become isolated and lonely in his old age, and relies on a virtual reality headset to escape his physical limitations and re-engage with the world around him. Xiaobin, meanwhile, uses her smartphone to connect with her family back in China and to document her experiences in Thailand.

As the film progresses, we see Xiaobin struggle to reconcile her new identity with her old one. She becomes obsessed with practicing her English, to the point where she begins to lose touch with her Chinese roots. She also begins to question the authenticity of her connection with May, wondering if they are truly friends or if their bond is facilitated by technology.

Throughout it all, the film remains visually stunning and deeply engaging. The camera captures the natural beauty of Thailand in a way that is both breathtaking and intimate, while the performances by the lead actresses are heartfelt and nuanced.

Overall, Present Perfect is a powerful and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of identity, relationships, and language. It is a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of technology and humanity, and a testament to the power of film to engage and challenge us.

Present Perfect is a 2017 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.