|
As for the PR claim of a "shocking discovery"
- well, the shocking discovery is the fact that there is nothing
shocking to discover.
So, you ask, is Snow Falling on Cedars ruined by not
meeting the mystery/shock hype? Not in any way whatsoever.
It is a romance.
The movie is a lovely, lush and delicate look at a relationship
between a Japanese-American girl and the white American son
of a newspaper editor.
The main story is set after World War II but flashbacks tell
how they met, how the war affected their families - particularly
her's - and the toll internment had on all in the Land of
the Free.
Viewed as potential saboteurs, tens of thousands of Japanese-Americans
were placed in prison camps, including parents whose children
were fighting in the US army against the Germans!
The shameful way they were treated adds great power to the
movie and the split it causes in a small town is marked.
As for the much-hyped mystery ... Well, there's a suspicious
death followed by a tepid court drama but nothing to trouble
the main storyline.
The photography is exquisite with some magical landscapes
being shown to their best by good, intelligent and art-like
camera work.
Ethan Hawke plays the young local reporter in his usual smoldering
way, Youki Kudoh is wonderful as the young woman split by
culture and love, but the acting tour de force comes from
Max von Sydow who is just sensational as the defence lawyer.
He is truly marvellous!
This is a lovely movie, but don't expect fireworks.
Conclusion: Movie: 85% DVD Extras:
65%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
|
