Product: Snow Falling on Cedars (2000)
Rating: 4.0
Melody and Melancholy
Beautiful story based on the book by David Guterson. Lots of terrific symbolism in both the book and the movie. The story revolves arond Ishmael Chamber (Ethan Hawke). He is very bitter and so wooden about life ever since his Japanese girlfriend from teenage years, Hatsue Imada (Youki Kudoh) left him for another (Japanese) guy , Kazuo (Rick Yune, but he is actually Korean in reality)because of racial dicrimination. When Kazuo goes to trial for alleged murder, Ishmael is sure this is his chance to get Hatsue back. It is somewhat complicated, and the movie is a little confusing because of all the flashbacks. Even so, Hicks does a fine job, both in cinemotography (lovely dripping snow and heart-wrenching music) and the casting of the actors. Youki Kudoh has the best performance next to Max Von Sydow-- she is very graceful, delicate, and in a certain way, very sexy (your eyes are GLUED to her fragile, yet open, beauty). Plus this is a good cast because you get to see the big stars (Ethan Hawke, James Cromwell, Samuel Shepard, and Max), the Asian stars (Youki Kudoh and Rick Yune-- they make a lovely couple!), and the children (Reeve Carney and Anne Suzuki). Once you watch the film, you will want to watch it again and again. It is so heart-wrenching and you really feel with all the characters. The music really adds a lot to the mood. I commend you! Fine job!