Recap: A young man, Hervé, leaves the army to join the silk producing business in his home town, in 19th century France. He falls in love with a girl, Hélène, and they get married. But there is a problem with the silk worms, there is a disease spreading and they're dying. Hervé goes on a long journey to Japan to acquire some new ones. But there he meets a girl, a concubine to the baron he is dealing with, a girl he can never forget. Drawn to her he goes on more trips to Japan, but Hélène is never far from his thoughts. Can one love two women? Can Hervé find peace and happiness anywhere or is he doomed to forever long for someone else.
Comments: This is a very beautiful movie. Beautiful and sensual. The main story is not the plot but the emotions Hervé is drawn between. The story is just a good excuse, and motivation, to set Hervé in the right place emotionally.
Hervé goes on a lot of journeys. Journeys can often slow the pace down in a movie, but since the story is not the main attraction, that is not such a big problem. What they are though is stunningly beautiful, as Hervé passes some spectacular scenery along the way.
The visual beauty, and the emotional, almost sensual feel in the movie is very well handled. And you need to appreciate such movies or themes to appreciate this movie, there is not much else. In fact the movie is a little slow, edging on a little dull sometimes. My tip is that you got something else to do while you're watching, that way you can appreciate the good points without becoming bored.
The acting is very good, though that is not very surprising considering the cast includes Michael Pitt, Keira Knightley, Koja Yakusho and Alfred Molina. Sei Ashina, who plays the girl, is more of a newcomer but shows promise. That the acting is well balanced is important when the movie depends so heavily on the emotions of the characters, and it is quite successful at it. That means that Francois Girard directing is nothing short of impressive.
However, this is not extremely entertaining, more like a piece of art. If you enjoy such movies, this is recommended.
6/10
Comments: This is a very beautiful movie. Beautiful and sensual. The main story is not the plot but the emotions Hervé is drawn between. The story is just a good excuse, and motivation, to set Hervé in the right place emotionally.
Hervé goes on a lot of journeys. Journeys can often slow the pace down in a movie, but since the story is not the main attraction, that is not such a big problem. What they are though is stunningly beautiful, as Hervé passes some spectacular scenery along the way.
The visual beauty, and the emotional, almost sensual feel in the movie is very well handled. And you need to appreciate such movies or themes to appreciate this movie, there is not much else. In fact the movie is a little slow, edging on a little dull sometimes. My tip is that you got something else to do while you're watching, that way you can appreciate the good points without becoming bored.
The acting is very good, though that is not very surprising considering the cast includes Michael Pitt, Keira Knightley, Koja Yakusho and Alfred Molina. Sei Ashina, who plays the girl, is more of a newcomer but shows promise. That the acting is well balanced is important when the movie depends so heavily on the emotions of the characters, and it is quite successful at it. That means that Francois Girard directing is nothing short of impressive.
However, this is not extremely entertaining, more like a piece of art. If you enjoy such movies, this is recommended.
6/10