3 reviews

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Anon. May 13, 2007

Not just a love story. A tense, layered and highly evocative drama played out through remarkably controlled performances.

With a sharp script and breathtaking setting this film really stands out from anything I've seen in several months.

A stunning visual treat, Somerset Maugham's novel's cinematographic rendering set in 1920s politically turbulent China is a delight from beginning to end, with a breath-taking backdrop of rural China, and wonderful performances from all actors.

Edward Norton plays the straight-laced but well meaning Dr Fane who having married flighty, spoilt and selfish Kitty (Naomi Watts), is so deeply hurt by her betrayal of him that he takes her into cholera country as punishment whilst he helps with the epidemic. Their relationship slowly becomes one of mutual respect and admiration and is a mature representation of a couple's journey into the heart of darkness and eventually redemption and forgiveness. Truly beautiful, a story of raw and passionate emotions, brought to the surface by extraordinary circumstances.

Excellent performance too from Toby Jones and Anthony Wong Chau-Sang in supporting roles.
A true gem.

Pamplemousse 7 May 2007

Great book, great story, excellent film,wonderful scenery, evocative music - see it (take a handkerchief).

Jessica Osborne 27 Apr 2007