Review of The Painted Veil (2006) by Kylie P — 25 Feb 2010

From October 28, 2008:

The technical elements are the premiere triumph of The Painted Veil. First of all, and others have said it, but this film was strikingly beautiful. The cinematography, using the on-location surrounds in present-day China and the contrasts of natural light and topography, was truly breathtaking. The art direction and costuming were absolutely fantastic as well. This was a convincing period dramas based on the attention and detail paid to the lovely 1920s dresses sported by Ms. Watts, and the items like cloth parasols, victrolas, and other period decor dotting even the run-down cabins the Fanes visit and reside in while working in the epidemic.

Also, the score for this picture is just beautiful, featuring an acclaimed Chinese pianist (Lang Lang). It really captures the essence of this story and could be a stunning piece of music performed even without the accompanying visuals.

Speaking of which, this adaptation was very solid. The story was told with great care, and generally likable was the direction taken by John J. Curran. The story itself is an engaging and powerful romance-in-reverse, where the two protagonists discover feelings for and about each other of which each was unaware, but it's made even more touching and meaningful with the performances of the leads. Mr. Norton did a decent job; it was thin but consistent, and he's such a fabulous actor, that the accent was mere frosting on a very sweet cake. His performance was gripping and resonant.

Actually, the most trouble suspending disbelief can be felt when Naomi Watts was supposed to be the spoiled rich girl committing adultery. Perhaps, her situation was too sympathetic, and Ms. Watts never made Kitty an actual brat to start. She was, on the other hand, sort of bemusedly stubborn, and her performances choices were questionable at first. Once her character began its road to reformation and redemption and love for her husband, the true strength of Naomi's performance shined, and the first quarter or third of the film and portrayal of her character were soon forgotten. Still, The Painted Veil is a visually stunning little film that will get its hooks into you from the first frame and keep you interested until the last.