The Painted Veil [DVD]

Product Details

• Format: PAL
• Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 - 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Classification: 12
• Studio: Momentum Pictures
• DVD Release Date: 3 Sep 2007
  

By : Rated:Suitable for 12 years and over|Format: DVD
Price : £3.89

Customer Reviews

W Somerset Maugham who trained as a medical doctor before turning entirely to writing must have picked up the gist of the story from acquaintances. It leads us into the murky world of declining colonialism in China, in a tale of love, betrayal, atonement and ultimately personal redemption.

Naomi Watts adds the necessary reckless streak of the bored London flapper who, to escape her parents, marries the rather stiff scientist played by Norton, and then carries it on with someone else in Shanghai (Liev Schreiber).

Sumptuous landscapes introduce the film, long initial scenes sweeping over the luscious Chinese countryside and meals eaten in silence are the painted veil that finally lifts to show the true passion and love between Kitty and Walter.

It is some of Norton's best acting, and the movie benefits from a good script, and excellent actors giving their best, if at times understated. For once the music too is not overly intrusive - overall a very fine balance in a delicately acted film makes this very worthwhile watching; again and again.

I must echo the previous review here. The Painted Veil is a stunning film - beautifully acted with stunning cinematography and above all a wonderful story, full of period detail, tension, drama and emotion. Edward Norton and Naomi Watts are both fantastic and portray the characters with passionate perfection. They are joined by a small but equally excellent supporting cast.

I always think that the sign of a good film or book is when you wonder about the characters at the end of the story or think of how events might have turned out differently for them. I just loved this film and would highly recommend it to those who enjoy a thinking person's love story.

 

The Painted Veil [DVD]