I found this film in-understandable.
First it seems unrealistic. How it is a single man can travel and trade so easily as we would do shopping in a supermarket ?? I can hardly imagine a white faced non Japanese speaking European surviving long there without at least a translator or a guide helping him. Also I don't doubt of Japanese hospitality but I can't help thinking the inexpressive European trader is really lucky to be so well treated, even lent beautiful women for ease ! I should quickly buy a ticket for Japan :) And why the Dutch man is not deserving the same treatment ?? I don't comment the fact the Japanese Girl and the french Trader could fall in love each other. The Unknown is seducing in itself and this is the theme of the movie after all. But at least I would have expected actors to share emotions with the spectator.
Secondly what is the point of the movie ?? We learn nothing about Japan nor France' middle 19th century . Nothing about traveling the world. And the romance story is unbelievable. What the hell a desperate lacking-love housewife would send her husband far away ?? Why ?? What is the goal ?? I imagine the book explains that well, subtly, but the film just does not. Regarding the casting, the supporting roles are all perfect. The leading parts are questionable. They probably are a bit lost by the storyboard, not knowing what to do. But I find the French Trader cruelly lacks of expression and is probably the error of the casting. Keira Knightley, a good actress, tries to do her best and achieves to look tormented but we don't catch what's is really going on because of the scenario. An the Japanese Girl doesn't show "the love flame" in the eyes I'd expect from a woman fallen in love without any talks.
Nevertheless I can't say this film was a bore. No. Frankly I even liked it because of the fantastic photography of Japan and of the french house's garden, and because of the beauty of the decor and actors. Hence the very nice note I gave.
But what a waste ! With such an interesting background (Japan, France, middle 18th century, traveling, silk's history ...), some very good actors, money involved, and a potentially good director, I think this film had all the necessary ingredients to make a chef-d'oeuvre like "out of Africa" or "Gone with the Wind". This is very frustrating. It would deserve another try.
First it seems unrealistic. How it is a single man can travel and trade so easily as we would do shopping in a supermarket ?? I can hardly imagine a white faced non Japanese speaking European surviving long there without at least a translator or a guide helping him. Also I don't doubt of Japanese hospitality but I can't help thinking the inexpressive European trader is really lucky to be so well treated, even lent beautiful women for ease ! I should quickly buy a ticket for Japan :) And why the Dutch man is not deserving the same treatment ?? I don't comment the fact the Japanese Girl and the french Trader could fall in love each other. The Unknown is seducing in itself and this is the theme of the movie after all. But at least I would have expected actors to share emotions with the spectator.
Secondly what is the point of the movie ?? We learn nothing about Japan nor France' middle 19th century . Nothing about traveling the world. And the romance story is unbelievable. What the hell a desperate lacking-love housewife would send her husband far away ?? Why ?? What is the goal ?? I imagine the book explains that well, subtly, but the film just does not. Regarding the casting, the supporting roles are all perfect. The leading parts are questionable. They probably are a bit lost by the storyboard, not knowing what to do. But I find the French Trader cruelly lacks of expression and is probably the error of the casting. Keira Knightley, a good actress, tries to do her best and achieves to look tormented but we don't catch what's is really going on because of the scenario. An the Japanese Girl doesn't show "the love flame" in the eyes I'd expect from a woman fallen in love without any talks.
Nevertheless I can't say this film was a bore. No. Frankly I even liked it because of the fantastic photography of Japan and of the french house's garden, and because of the beauty of the decor and actors. Hence the very nice note I gave.
But what a waste ! With such an interesting background (Japan, France, middle 18th century, traveling, silk's history ...), some very good actors, money involved, and a potentially good director, I think this film had all the necessary ingredients to make a chef-d'oeuvre like "out of Africa" or "Gone with the Wind". This is very frustrating. It would deserve another try.
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