The Painted Veil on DVD (2006)

Behind the Veil

A customer from London, England , 26/04/2007

As the starting credits roll and I see that not only are Naomi Watts and Edward Norton starring in this movie, they also produced it. My heart sinks as several previous examples of vanity projects flit through my mind. Thankfully I most pleasantly surprised. The Painted Veil is a long, cool drink of water. If you will forgive me labouring the metaphor: though indeed long and cool, like such a drink, it is also refreshing. Reminiscent of films not often made anymore, such as Out of Africa, this is a cinematically beautiful, poignant tale of love, betrayal and the consequences of both. Although I would agree there is a distantness both in performance and presentation, this is just as it ought to be and reflects the quiet intensity of our leads’ struggle and the repressive social conformity of the period aptly. It is a cast of quite unsympathetic characters and it is a tribute to Ron Nyswaner that they have not been “prettied up” by Hollywood and are allowed to retain their flaws. In fact the only real mark of the Hollywood powers-that-be is an increase in the sex and passion quota quite out of keeping with the book (yet secretly quite satisfying). The casting is excellent. Edward Norton excels as the hopelessly repressed yet passionate doctor; although making up with intensity what he lacks in dark brooding power. The sheer brilliance of the supporting cast and the beauty of China are what lift this tale out of the dryness such an internalised tale of conflict threatens. Director John Curran has definitely proven himself one to watch and it is nice to know that there is always an exception to the rule…even when it comes to vanity projects.

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Worth watching

Not so Silent Bob from Edinburgh [Highly rated reviewer] , 27/09/2007

A beautifully shot film, good acting though there seems to be something lacking in substance. You feel that this should have 'epic' written all over it but it comes up a little short. Still well worth a watch though

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Gripping,moving, beautiful...Words fail me in describing this masterpiece

A customer from North London , 06/05/2007

It is rare these days, to see a movie that concentrates so implicitly on character and plot development, that it cannot fail but to grab the viewers' attention completely. The pace of the film was perfect. The film addresses the story from a historical point when the British were in China and there was plenty of unrest afoot. But the film makers spared no expense in unravelling a really humane, moving story between two people. The lead characters were well cast and did justice to the characters of the wronged, Dr.Fane (Norton)and his adulterous wife, Kitty (Watts).What makes this story so beautiful and endearing is that it takes the viewer on a scenic journey of two people's life: starting with a loveless marriage, adultery, and the backlash of adultery (Dr. Fane deciding to endanger both their lives to move to a distant village with cholera to volunteer his services), and what ensues is a truly touching love story, when both slowly start opening up to each other in the backdrop of death, violence and despair. It's a superb film that I would recommend to anyone who likes watching a thoughtful, well constructed movie with superb acting, actors and a really gripping story. Don't miss!

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Old fashioned but good

PJB from Leicester , 10/05/2007

Yes, ok I agree with that it is a slow burning film which might make it less attractive to an audience used to crashes and bangs but just allow yourself to be absorbed in the beauty of the cinematography and the perfectly understated acting of the two main protagonists Edward Norton & Naomi Watts. Mind you Ed Norton never does anything other than understatement (American X being a possible exception). There is a touch of the Merchant / Ivory about this film but it doesn't suffer for that. It is unashamedly old fashioned with the emotions being implied (accurate for the time period) rather than splashed all over the screen which might be more accessible to a younger audience.

Sit back and enjoy and you will come out after two hours wondering where the time went and feeling that you have spent the time well.

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An amazing beautiful film

A customer from Cumbria , 02/08/2008

I can't remember when I enjoyed a film as much as this. I enjoyed every moment of it and loved the beautiful scenery. The story is as passionate as it is sad and very moving. I would recommend it.

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Painted Veil

A customer from Scotland , 12/09/2007

Good story, stunning scenery, a good watch.

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