Soul of a Demon (Hu Die) (2008) (Taiwan) 

With the release of the protagonist from the prison, should bygones be bygones? The baggage of the past compounded with the burden of the future. Like "Butterflies" (i.e., the film title), he fancied to take flight, but was weighted from within, by a dead soul. The pleasantly poetic and peaceful picture contrasts with the imminent turbulent and threatening turmoil -- the main selling point of the film. It is full of fade outs, sometimes remaining in the same scene, sometimes emerging from a new scene. The laziness and the lethargy accentuated the languid life of the common people, peace is all that one desires. But peace comes with a price. Unlike typical Hong Kong films about triads, this film feels very Taiwanese. If you are in for a tranquil trip that culminates in tearful tragedy, this is the film for you. 

3.5 stars out of 5 

~ hengcs