SYNOPSIS:
Set in the early 20th century, the film is based upon a novel
by the great Mishima, it tells the story of forbidden love.
Born to the families of aristocrats, Kiyoaki Matsugae and
Satoko Ayakura have known each other since they were little
children. As they grow up, Satoko realizes her adoration of
the young lord has turned to love, Kiyaoki too tries to reciprocate
but his inexperience doesn't help. Kiyaoki realizes he loves
Satoko but it is too late as she has already accepted a marriage
proposal from another man. Her engagement with the prince
is irrevocable. Their love is "forbidden" now. Driven
by passion, they rush out on the path of no return. They meet
in secret and share some moments of happiness until a tragedy
befalls on young lovers...
MOVIE
REVIEW
A
most beautiful and lovely visual companion and adaptation
to Spring Snow, Yukio Mishima’s first novel of his Sea
of Fertility tetralogy.
Though
the plot and the fate of the two young lovers would be considered
bland and uninteresting to today’s jaded viewers, the
film does not disappoint in the productions department. Filmed
with stunning visuals and scenes, Spring Snow painstakingly
recreates a historically accurate early 20th Century Japan,
complete with eye-popping costumes, scenes, sets and locales.
The film
varies from the original novel most notably in structure,
but is sincere and faithful in the story as well as Mishima’s
famed allegorical imagery (which results in a rather lengthy
and slow moving narrative).
A
wonderful film nonetheless, that will hopefully lead some
to Mishima’s outstanding novel.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
It is most unfortunate that the Code 3 DVD boasts
nothing but two trailers. Where are the features found in
the Japanese Code 2 version, such as the making-of featurette,
amongst others? This is rather quintessential in a film of
this nature and scope. Truly disappointing.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
It comes with only Dolby Digital 2.0.
MOVIE RATING:
DVD
RATING :
Review
by Darren Sim
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