Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive (1989)

"Life Is Cheap... But Toilet Paper Is Expensive" (1989) is a quintessential Wayne Wang film, deserving its place among his best for its audacious experimentation and biting social commentary. A neo-noir set in Hong Kong, the film eschews conventional narrative structure, weaving a surreal tapestry of characters and situations. From the hustling taxi driver desperate for a fare to the American ex-patriate entangled in a shady deal, Wang uses dark humor and absurdist scenarios to explore the intersection of cultures, the commodification of life, and the alienation of the modern individual. This avant-garde approach, while initially polarizing, solidified Wang's reputation as a director willing to push boundaries and challenge audience expectations, mirroring his own experience navigating the complexities of being a Chinese-American filmmaker. Beyond its formal innovation, the film showcases Wang's keen eye for capturing the vibrant, chaotic energy of Hong Kong in the pre-handover era. The film's gritty realism, juxtaposed with moments of fantastical absurdity, creates a unique and memorable cinematic experience. Furthermore, its exploration of themes like cultural identity, capitalism, and the value of human life, remain strikingly relevant today. While perhaps less commercially successful than some of his later works, "Life Is Cheap..." represents Wang at his most daring and intellectually provocative, a film that cements his status as a visionary director unafraid to explore uncomfortable truths through a distinctly independent lens.