This was one of the least enjoyable films to which I have subjected myself in some years. (I say "subjected" because it took me four tries to get past the first ten minutes, yet I held to my rather masochistic determination to see this movie through to the end.) The plot meanders and backtracks and ultimately goes absolutely nowhere. Although those inclined toward European cinema might find the entire offering moderately satisfying, I believe the average North American will only finish up wondering, "What was THAT all about?" Despite apparently being shot in Taiwan, Drifters is clearly little more than anti-western propaganda in the service of the regime of mainland China.
I give this film a "3" score strictly on the basis of its interesting editing and superb camera-work; however those elements still will not justify your expenditure of time or money on seeing this film unless you have a deep cultural (or political) connection to the setting and circumstances of the story.
I give this film a "3" score strictly on the basis of its interesting editing and superb camera-work; however those elements still will not justify your expenditure of time or money on seeing this film unless you have a deep cultural (or political) connection to the setting and circumstances of the story.