The Great Buddha+

In the 2017 film The Great Buddha+, a darkly comedic blend of crime and drama unfolds in the backdrop of a Taiwanese nightscape. The story follows the unlikely duo of Pickle, a security guard, and his friend Belly Button, a trash collector, as they pass the hours of their night shifts by watching dash-cam footage recorded by their American-educated boss. What begins as a voyeuristic escapade into the boss's private life takes a sinister turn as the footage reveals not just titillating moments but a chilling crime that intertwines their fates.

The film expertly navigates themes of class disparity and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters, contrasting the mundane lives of its protagonists with the glitzy, often grotesque world of the wealthy. Pickle and Belly Button's camaraderie offers a humorous lens through which to view the absurdities of their existence, yet as the plot thickens, their jovial banter gives way to a gripping exploration of conscience and complicity. The Great Buddha+ stands out not only for its sharp wit and keen social commentary but also for its ability to blend humor with unexpected horror, making it a unique cinematic experience that lingers long after the credits roll.