Product: Snow Falling on Cedars (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Poetry In Motion!
It frustrates me that people I've shown this movie have found it satisfactory, or even DULL. I know that people react to films differently based on their personality and what their expectations are. Personally I hate big-budget epic films with loads of effects and weak characters & plot. And since Hollywood makes great money off of those kind of movies, that seems to be what the general public wants."Snow Falling on Cedars", I will admit, has a rather basic story, but it's a powerful one that is important to help future generations appreciate the time period. The music is chilling, haunting, and very powerful (I even bought the soundtrack). But what I really want to get to is the LOOK of this picture.The effects and transitions used in this film are gorgeous. What I mean by effects is mostly camera tricks and editing (not CGI etc). Every scene is shot like a painting that could be framed. The lighting, the angles, the AMAZING transitions are stunning. Director Scott Hicks took the novel and used the medium of film in a most unique way to convey a story. There are so many stunning sequences that truly are poetry in motion.So why should you see the film? Well executed, superb cast, and a story that should be told for future generations. The DVD has a VERY insightful commentary. Enjoy this masterpiece!