Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Catherine An | ... |
Hostess
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Bin Li | ... | ||
Bin Wu | ... |
Student 1
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Alan David | ... | ||
Marie-Laure Descoureaux | ... | ||
Sally Hawkins | ... |
Mary
(scenes deleted)
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Juliet Howland | ... | ||
Toby Jones | ... | ||
Lorraine Laurence | ... | ||
Gwing-Gai Lee | ... |
Angry Chinese Man
(as Johnny Lee)
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Li Feng | ... | ||
Gesang Meiduo | ... |
Amah
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Edward Norton | ... | ||
Yin Qing | ... |
Student 2
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Ian Renwick | ... |
Geoffrey Denison
(as Ian Rennick)
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This love story has Kitty meeting young, intelligent, shy and somewhat dull Dr. Walter Fane, whose forte is the study of infectious diseases, and the convenient marriage that she finds herself committed to. It is in this web of intrigue that they head for China, only after Walter discovers Kitty's infidelity with one dashing and witty diplomat Charlie Townsend. So much as to hide her from herself and to help thwart a cholera outbreak, this is a marriage more than on the rocks. This is a cold, indifferent and loveless partnership in a vast unknown and deadly environment that will test both these flightless lovebirds and with the hardships and tolerances more than any had ever anticipated. A visual delight amid the pain and suffering of a dying people and failing marriage. Will a cure be found for both, before it's too late? Written by Cinema_Fan
Such a level of intimacy between character and viewer is so seldom achieved, that I could not help but be overwhelmed by it. I was moved and shattered by how well I knew these characters, how much I commiserated and empathized for them, and how deeply involved I was in their anger, fears, and love.
The camera often loomed within a dark room, filled only with soft light and the characters clothed in light-colored costume. This ciaroscuro, contrast between light and shadow, created elegance and simplicity that is nothing short of beautiful. Most incredible of all were the zoom shots onto a particular character's face or eyes, emphasizing the sweat on his/her brow or a particularly telling expression on his/her face.
The musical score was very powerful and in-tune with the story told and the amazing characterizations.
I simply LOVED this film. If you are interested in a slow-moving, deep and emotionally stirring film, The Painted Veil is just that film!