Short films rarely leave me feeling satisfied. I'm not sure this one did either, but not because I felt it was inferior. In fact, as soon as I finished it I was so impressed I watched it again.
The title refers to a Chinese myth (Qing dynasty) that tells the origins of the Rabbit God. It is set in the mind, presumably, of a guy (Matt) who works in a Chinese restaurant, a young man who is leading a decidedly unglamorous life. At some point a customer comes in and introduces himself as Shen. He is an interesting guy with a distinctive look. Glances and a little dialog are exchanged. Later, as the restaurant is being closed for the night, Shen appears outside. Matt invites him in for a hookup.
Simple, right? Nope. Shen might be an incarnation of the Rabbit God. He will change Matt's life. How that is done is open to interpretation. I am not quite sure how I interpret it but I'm also not sure that it matters.
This story is told with a lot of style and mystery. It's very filmic and uses the medium fully to reveal the tale. The film itself mixes exoticism with the ordinary. The effect is memorable.
This is a film worth seeing. And then seeing again. As with the cliche of a Chinese meal, after you finish it you will want more.