Lust, Caution

  • 2007
  • NC-17
  • 158m
movieMx RATING
7.3
791
VERDICT
HIT
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Lust, Caution Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: April 11, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: April 11, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Lust, Caution

MovieLust, Caution
Release Year2007
DirectorAng Lee
GenreAction / Drama / Romance / Thriller
Runtime158 minutes
LanguageZH

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Lust, Caution (2007) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Lust, Caution are led by Tony Leung Chiu-wai . The supporting cast, including Tang Wei and Joan Chen , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Lust, Caution (2007) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 7.3/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Lust, Caution stands out as a strong entry in the Action genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Action narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Lust, Caution has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Action fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Lust, Caution

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2007, Lust, Caution is a Action, Drama, Romance, Thriller film directed by Ang Lee. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tony Leung Chiu-wai.

Story Breakdown

In this high-octane feature, Ang Lee establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. During World War II, a secret agent must seduce and assassinate an official who works for the Japanese puppet government in Shanghai. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Tony Leung Chiu-wai, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.

Narrative Structure

  • Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
  • Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Tony Leung Chiu-wai's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
  • Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.

Ending Explained: Lust, Caution

Lust, Caution Ending Explained: Directed by Ang Lee, Lust, Caution resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core action themes developed throughout the film.

The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Tony Leung Chiu-wai. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.

Key Elements of the Ending

  • Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
  • Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
  • Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the action themes introduced earlier in the film.

The final moments of Lust, Caution reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.

Who Should Watch Lust, Caution?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Tony Leung Chiu-wai or the director
  • Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection

Box Office Collection: Lust, Caution

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $15.0M
Worldwide Gross $67.1M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Lust, Caution Budget

The estimated production budget for Lust, Caution is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Top Cast: Lust, Caution

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Where to Watch Lust, Caution Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Lust, Caution Parents Guide & Age Rating

2007 Advisory
NC-17

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Lust, Caution age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Lust, Caution is rated NC-17. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences, mature themes, romantic content.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Lust, Caution is 158 minutes (2h 38m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Lust, Caution is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2007 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Lust, Caution. Rating: 7.3/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lust, Caution worth watching?

Lust, Caution is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Lust, Caution parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Lust, Caution identifies it as NC-17. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of Lust, Caution?

The total duration of Lust, Caution is 158 minutes, which is approximately 2h 38m long.

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How Lust, Caution Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for Lust, Caution

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movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 7.3
Lust, Caution
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