The Painted Veil is based on the novel of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham. It is not exactly a new movie (released 2006), starring not very famous actors and actresses (I guess) but my knowledge of celebrities is below average at best, the only recognizable face (for me) being Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong. Nevertheless, I have decided to review this movie because of the values in it which I find worth adopting, or at the very least, should be taken note of.Set mostly in 20th century China, this is sort of a love story about a British couple, cross-cultural interactions, selfless humanity efforts and doing the right thing. The heroine in this movie is faced with the choice between a good, selfless but quiet man and a charming sweet-talking (with lots of exciting empty promises!) guy. In the end there is not much of a choice on her part, a choice is imposed on her yet I like the part where she realized what is right and what is wrong, thus transforming her from a young naive emotional maiden to a mature thoughtful and strong-willed woman. Couples could also learn a lesson or two regarding expectations in a relationship from this movie.
[A part of me just wanted to shout out loud stating that not all handsome exciting guys are good to have (they may be more exciting to have, I agree!), there are some better, quiet, average-looking introvert guy like myself out here! So ladies, open your eyes wider, evaluate us all more objectively, not based on excitement alone! Hope this don't reveal too much about the plot! LOL :P ]
As a conclusion, I really recommend you watching this movie if you are looking for a warm inspiring romance. Meaningful love stories are always preferred to some mindless shoot-em-up plotless zombie movies (I am Legend immediately comes to mind but that is another
story).
Best Quote from the Movie:
(Spoken by a nun) "I fell in love when I was 17, with God. A foolish girl with romantic notions about the life of a religious. But my love was passionate. Over the years my feelings have changed. He's disappointed me. Ignored me. We've settled into a relationship of peaceful indifference. The old husband and wife who sit side by side on the sofa, but rarely speak. He knows I will never leave him. This is my duty. But when love and duty are one, then grace is within you."
Pros: Satisfying, warm feeling in knowing true love conquers other ill intents.
Cons: It doesn't have a fairy-tale ending (find out yourself!) and Anthony Wong doesn't get enough scenes and dialogues! Hehe...'
2 comments:
Wow! This movie sounds absolutely fascinating. I love off the wall movies that don't have that over the top Hollywood glamor about them. And I must admit a good non-hokey romance always gets me. I think I will have to see this movie.
Thanks for telling me about it.
And I have fallen in love with that quote. It is simply beautiful and an excellent piece of writing.
Landis, you must be a diehard movie lover! Yeah, the whole review, I think the only thing I did right was to select and publish it.
Too bad I this blog's direction is no more in line with movie reviews. I would definitely consider setting up a new blog just for movie reviews, if only I had many more movie fans like you around, sigh! :D
If only you will be back to check back on my reply, I'll recommend you to watch this romance:
Love Actually (2003)
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