Unstatisfying and muddled ending -- fine acting and art direction

Rating: 4/10 (1 August 2007)

First, the actors all did a fine job -- the reason that this film fails does not lie with them. Also, the set director and the director of photography also did a fine job. If you watch the film and can concentrate on the efforts of those above, you may find some enjoyment in watching this composition.
However, if you enjoy a well-told story that conveys some meaning, rather than a second-rate understanding of metaphysics, myth, and spirituality, then avoid view this flick.
The fault clearly lies with the writer/director. I viewed this film last night, and so desired to give him the benefit of the doubt. Therefore, I watched the DVD's bonus features. Instead of finding some deeper meaning into the films message, all I got was his personal diary (and not a very insightful one) of how the film was technically made. Watching this bonus feature only gave me greater respect for the efforts of those listed above. They are the only ones who seemed to even attempt to convey any meaning in the film.
During the bonus feature, we find out that the studio shut him down in 2002 from making this film. After listening to him drone on about literally nothing, I can understand that executive decision.
As one reviewer stated, this film is more about one man's 1000 year, struggle to conquer death. However, at the end of the film, it totally abandons that notion, and tries to pawn off as depth of meaning some ridiculous idea that all life is found in a flower, or some other form of nature. This extremely unsatisfying resolution is reason enough to avoid the film altogether.
However, if you enjoy fine art direction, nice visuals, and can glean enough meaning out of only those things in a film, then go ahead and watch.