Genre: Romantic Drama
Rating: 12
Main Actor: Edward Norton
Main Actress: Naomi Watts
YouTube: Film Trailer
This is an incredibly beautiful film about the distance between two people and the line between love and hate. The hatred and conflict between Kitty (Watts) and Walter (Norton) is juxtaposed to the wonderful, breathtaking scenery of the Chinese mountains - a case where filming on location more than paid off. Whilst both characters have flaws - be it egotism, jealousy, pride or vengefulness - the film charters their journey towards reconciliation, during which time redeeming features can be seen through the surface of unpleasantness.
Taking place in the 1920s during a cholera outbreak, Walter takes his wife into the heart of the danger zone out of spite and pure brutality. Despite the risks involved this step allows both characters to develop and to grow to recognise each other in their truest forms. Hence, this film is about human relationships, and specifically love, on a back drop of death, pain and despair.
There is particularly effective use of flashbacks during the film, ensuring the audience completely understand the path which has led Kitty and Walter to this distant place. Coupled with aptly selected musical pieces, this film leads to a heartbreaking climax which never fails to bring a tear to my eye. No it is not a fast-paced blockbuster, instead it takes viewing to a level above and beyond that, to a beautiful place that touches even the hardest of film audiences...
Rating: 9.5/10
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