Rebels of the Neon God Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		3.0
Overall		4.0

Rebels of the Neon God Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 19, 2022

Malaise is poured on thick in 1992’s “Rebels of the Neon God,” which charts the slow decline of characters stuck without a future, or at least the motivation to achieve one. It’s a Taiwanese production from writer/director Ming-liang Tsai, who’s out to communicate a sense of confusion with the work, looking to understand the wayward ways of young adults who no longer have the protection of adolescence, forced to deal with their own problems for the first time in their lives, and they just don’t have interest in doing so. “Rebels of the Neon God” is deliberately paced and performed, but the production captures a level of behavioral authenticity that’s fascinating to watch at times, observing acts of self-sabotage and perceived freedom that fail to provide necessary emotional rewards for the characters.

“Rebels of the Neon God” examines two subplots that gradually merge into one study of denial. There’s a young man who pulls out of his educational experience, exposing himself to family ridicule and estrangement as he seeks distractions from his empty life. The other half of the picture highlights the ways of two thieves who deal with moneymaking opportunities and interest from a woman drawn to them. “Rebels of the Neon God” doesn’t provide thunderous dramatics to capture attention, preferring a slow drip of scenes that examine daily experiences and choices, while visual symbolism is returned to repeatedly, offering a poetic understanding of ignored issues.

Rebels of the Neon God Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.84:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers compelling detail with locations, visiting crowded city streets, packed classrooms, and busy arcades. Distances are dimensional. Skin surfaces and costuming are textured. Colors are compelling, working with the hotter hues of video game signage and street vendors. Delineation is satisfactory. Grain is heavy and film-like. Source is in excellent condition.

Rebels of the Neon God Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA mix handles the feature's dramatic demands, offering crisp dialogue exchanges and compelling atmospherics, which visit busy city streets and chaotic arcades. Scoring presents simple synth repetition effectively throughout the listening experience.

While dialogue is subtitled on the "Rebels of the Neon God" disc, street visits and signage isn't, making some moments confusing for those who don't understand the native language.

Rebels of the Neon God Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (six pages) includes an essay by Ariel Esteban Cayer.

• Select-Scene Commentary features filmmaker Andy Darrel Gomes.

• And a Theatrical Trailer (2:04, HD) is included.

Rebels of the Neon God Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Rebels of the Neon God" utilizes silence and thousand-yard stares for much of its run time, but there's something of a dramatic destination for the writing. Characterization is compelling, offering a chance to watch the players struggle with impulse control issues and regret, and the bigger portrait of a bustling Taiwan and its thousands of distractions is fascinating to study, supplying a vivid backdrop for the feature and its curiosity concerning the sadness of ungovernable personalities.