Review of The Painted Veil (2006) by Tibor B — 04 Nov 2008

Excellent 20s set drama with Ed Norton and Naomi Watts both on top form as the young doctor and his wife who relocate to China to assist in a cholera epidemic, whilst also serving as cruel emotional punishment for the wife's adultery.

In a nice twist to conventional romance, this is given a very interesting twist in that what begins as a bad, unhappy mis-mayched marriage develops into something more complicated, but ultimately mutually satisfying and loving.

If the ending is inevitable given the subject matter it gives Watt's character a perfect emotional arc, and while not "happy" it feels honest and fulfilling. And to top it all the alien Chinese landscape is captured beautifully and the music is lovely.

All the ingredients of a fantastic drama...