snowflake in sight, I am forced to take matters into my own hands
and create my own wintry atmosphere. So, turning to the winter
section of my little film library, I pulled out the magnificent
adaptation of David Guterson's acclaimed book, Snow Falling on
Cedars.
Australian director Scott Hicks works some fabulous artistic magic
with lots of dreamy compositions and textures. This film is a feast for
the senses. Set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it's the story of a
young fisherman who was found dead in his own nets. A Japanese
American war hero is accused of his murder. His wife is the former
childhood sweetheart of a young newspaperman, played by Ethan
Hawke. The legendary Max von Sydow, one of my personal favorites,
is of course, wonderful as the aging defense attorney, and gives a
brilliant soliloquy in the trial scene.
This film is not only a murder mystery and tender love story, but it
addresses the persecution of the Japanese Americans and
immigrants during World War II. This seething bigotry serves as the
psychological backdrop for the post-war trial.
I absolutely love this elegant, intelligent, snowy movie. It's a woolly
sockser, with plenty of gorgeous snow. It's the next best thing to the
real stuff. So, snuggle up with the woollies, some hot chocolate, and
enjoy. I might just have to pop in Doctor Zhivago tonight.
hi willow! there's scads of snow up here in the wintry wonderland of the eastern woodlands! that was one of my fave books for the ongest time and i stayed away fromt he film just because so many of the scenes on the book were so very visual in my head. however, the little snippet you shared here has me tempted. have a lovely day in the manor willow. steven
ReplyDeleteHi, Steven, I usually like to read the book before I see a film, but I've not read this one. It's going on my library list right now!
ReplyDeleteAt least you know for certain that there *will* be snow... I remember one year long ago where winter waited till one Christmas Eve to snow and it was perfect... big, fat flakes falling slowly.
ReplyDeleteCheer up m'lady! And I've had this movie in my line-up for a while. Good to see a proper review (just added to my xmas list...ohhhh Mo-oooom!!! )
ReplyDeleteI wish we had some snow too, we almost reached 100F today and I so long for a white christmas. haven't had one since 1969!
ReplyDeleteWillow dear you are a great one for digging up really good movies. Thanks for the tip... no woolly socks thought.
We have a chance of snow Sunday. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI love your film references. My mother taught me to love films. Especially the classic films from the 40's and 50's. I haven't read or seen 'Snow Falling on Cedars' but now I will. Thank you. (My mom and I loved Dr. Zhivago, too.)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the book/movie review. I hope you get snow if you are a lover of the event.
ReplyDeleteI personally like snow, now that I am retired and can enjoy its beauty. I'll take snow to ice any day, especially ice storms like we had earlier this year.
syncronicity!! (sp?)
ReplyDeletei caught part of the film last night on hbo i think, and had ordered the book a few weeks ago, waiting to read it after the holiday...maybe i'm waiting for snow to return.
btw, have you read SNOW by orhan pamuk? turkish writer, nobel prize winner...SERIOUSLY snowy read!!
I loved the book but haven't seen the movie . . . onto the list it goes!
ReplyDeleteDear willow, I haven't seen Snow Falling on Cedars yet, but will make a point of doing so soon after your enthusiastic post.
ReplyDeleteAnd as for your innocently sinful "green with envy" comment on hearing of our snowfall here in south-central Spain (8 inches, still can't believe it) in my post of yesterday, I am sure you will soon be softly forgiven. Hang on to the Zhivago hat...
I remember reading the books some years ago but I haven't seen the film. But thanks for the recommendations - I will keep a look out for it.
ReplyDeleteHi, I came here from the lovely Alan Burnett. I haven't seen the movie but now I will. I loved your doppelganger post too. Spooky! Gives me story ideas!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is lovely.
Neva, this is synchronicity for sure. We must compare notes after we read the book! Fun-fun!
ReplyDeletenice. i have not seen the movie but i did read the book...will put it on my list...bet it is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI'm sad you have no snow. It doesn't seem right at all. Of course we don't have any snow, but we never do. Wishing for snow for you!!
ReplyDeleteWillow,
ReplyDeleteI loved that movie.
It was so amazing.
Justice ????
yvonne
I've never seen this movie, now perhaps I will. It was one of those I'd pick up almost every time I was at Blockbuster but then I'd put it back.
ReplyDeleteSince I'm from the Northwest it will bring me thoughts of home.
much love
Dear Willow, ciao. I never saw this movie. I will check if can be nice for me. But I'm confident your choices are never bad :D
ReplyDeleteHere's to snow falling soon - just for you!
ReplyDeleteHello Willow,
ReplyDeleteEasy to see how you are spending the long winter days?! If I could just tap in to your supply .....:0)
I thought this was one instance where the movie was actually better than the book, alas. Guterson is a good writer, but not a great writer. Stating this in the PNW, my home, may bring about a public stoning!
ReplyDeleteBut then again, kudos to any writer who's a commercial success.
Here in Kentucky we've had two days of snow...but then nothing. It all melted away. :/ If it doesn't pick up again soon I think I'll be stocking up on some winter movies of my own! ;)
ReplyDeleteI prefer the Côte d'Azur. Snow? No way, it's just cold and dangerous.
ReplyDeleteT, that's good to know. If the book isn't great, I might not bother, since I've got a waiting list of great reads. I'll order it from my library branch and take a look.
ReplyDeleteBill, that's just because you're spoiled by actually living in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest! The scenes in this movie are simply gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI read the book and saw the movie-- being half Japanese-- I am always drawn to books and movies about my heritage-- I even watched THE LAST SAMURAI with Tom Cruise-- not my type of movie-- but the scenes of the Japanese village were beautiful
ReplyDeleteLayers, I didn't realize you were of Japanese descent. That explains the extra thrill of your recent Kyoto visit! :^)
ReplyDeleteIt's raining outside ,but it's still snowing n my blog and I get confused as to which is real life!
ReplyDeleteI know I've just found you, but I had an award to give out and I think your blog is lovely so pop over to mine to pick it up!
ReplyDeleteI read the book, but never saw the movie. I'll remember your recommendation. Hope you get some of the snowy stuff soon.
ReplyDeleteYou have become my favorite movie critic. When you tell about a movie, you paint the exact pictures to match the mood and the style of the film. Excellent.
ReplyDeleteSnow will come. Hopefully soon.
I am a sucker for snowy movies viewed from the comfort of an armchair by a log fire. Dr Zhivago is probably my favourite.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the idea. I think I will see it soon. I am in the mood for a snowy movie too. And Hubband is from the Pacific Northwest, so I know I can get him to watch too.
ReplyDeleteAhhh my dear, you said it so well..." a feast for the senses". Yes it is!
ReplyDeleteWillow..I love that you are sitting there in your Dr. Z. hat....
ReplyDeleteno snow here either...but i do have a beautiful winter sky...with high whispy clouds and cool weather....
more later, friend....
Kary
xxx
I just moved Snow Falling on the Cedars to the top of my Netflix queue, simply because you said so. The reason? I watched two other movies you recommended and they both became favorites. If you're wondering, they were Onegin and Black Book. So, thanks. And, do tell us more of the movies you love. Please.
ReplyDeletelovely pic from the movie, just makes one feel the necessity of finding it...soon....
ReplyDeleteRe: doppelgänger What is neat about the German language is the ability to combine words, unlike English. Another cool word is Schadenfreude, again a combo of two words, the first meaning 'damage' and the second meaning 'pleasure'--basically means finding pleasure in someone else's pain!
Re: Winnie on Ice -- On their way to skating, in such LONG dress, yikes! hope the skates did not get caught up in the clothing!
greetings, hope snow flurries descend upon your country estate, soon........... :-) Beth
Oh, that's a beautiful movie--I'd forgotten about it 'til you mentioned it here.
ReplyDeleteRelyn, okay, not to worry, because I am nutty about film. Glad you like my picks. :^)
ReplyDeleteWillow,
ReplyDeleteI love this movie... Snow Falling... very touching.... and then Dr. Zhivago.... well, who knows, maybe Santa might bring it...if not... I just might have to have a present to Tom from Tom.
The Bach
Beth, I love the combining of words in German. Interesting and fun, as well. Wish I was fluent in German. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteThe movie was great. I'm a huge Ethan Hawkes fan. And the book was even better.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a good one for sure! I'm back with Netflix so I'll order. I am so dizzy from the Golden Globe nominations...must plan some movie visits!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Thanks, Willow. We have about 2 feet of the cold white stuff, but are heading to the Pacific Northwest where there is only freezing rain.
ReplyDeleteI read the book, but haven't seen the movie - off to Netflix now...
I've never seen this! I want snow, too! :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the book, but have never seen the film. Your description and the trailer combine to make it a must-see (Max von Sydow, Sam Shepard, James Cromwell--whoa!). Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi! Willow,
ReplyDeleteThanks, for the review...I will check the film out...When it comes to no snow...hang in there you still have until Christmas eve.
DeeDee ;-D
I read the book years ago...haven't seen the film.
ReplyDeleteIts raining here....bah!
At noon today I saw the large variety of snowflakes slowly making their way down to add themselves to their predecessors of last week. The problem with snow is that when it melts a little there is always ice to negotiate when walking outside. I would rather have snow on Christmas Day and on Boxing Day it can all melt and go away.
ReplyDeleteYour post has reminded me of how shallow I can be sometimes. This movie got a caneing here by the critics, so I gave it a miss - follish girl that I am! Scott Hicks lives just over the hill from us, he & his wife Kerry have a vineyard/winery called Yacca Paddock (yaccapaddock.com) here in the Adelaide Hills. He makes a mean shiraz.
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
Hi, Willow. Just wait, we'll get that snow (just when we don't want it). In the meantime, a good movie is a great substitute. I read the book years ago, but I've never seen the movie. Sounds like a Netflix night!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Another movie that I have never seen, but have actually heard of. I remember when it was out. The Trailer looks pretty good.
ReplyDeleteOH WHERE oh WHERE is the snow Willow???
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful book. Haven't seen the movie yet.
ReplyDeleteYou have to read the book, Willow!
ReplyDeleteLike Steven, I have avoided the movie because my head is so full of visuals from reading, I don't want to lose them yet.
I loved reading "The English Patient", read it long before it was made into a movie. I did see that one, and in a movie theater at that, enjoying it immensely, somehow the scenes in my head were not so different from what a saw on the screen (I have seen the movie on DVD since and missed the romance of the large screen then). So, one fine day I might just go ahead and watch "Snow Falling On Cedars", thanks to your encouragement.
We had a few snowflakes dancing from the sky, but only in the hills did it put a dusting of white on the trees and meadows.
Regarding German zusammengesetzte Wörter, combined words, there are quite a few that interestingly have become part of the vocabulary, loanwords, in more than one language: Zeitgeist, Weltschmerz, Hinterland, Weltanschauung, Gesamtkunstwerk, Wunderkind, Kindergarten, Leitmotif, Kaffeeklatsch, Rucksack, the list goes on, I am sure you know all of these.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, my spellchecker only bulks at Welschmerz, Weltanschauung and Gesamtkunstwerk (those Mac people need to upgrade their software!).
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this but it does sound like my kind of film.
ReplyDeleteWe've also got no snow and I'm very happy about it.
xx
Someone has told me there is snow in France at the moment. I don't want it here until my new grandchild has arrived (due in five days' time).
ReplyDeleteDavid Guterson books are popular in the library but I am ashamed to say I have not read them yet. The film looks good, just the thing for winter, thanks for recommendations.
It snows here,a little,less than last year,still,sending you some!Have a nice day :)
ReplyDeleteYes, a great film, and a great tribute to the book.
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful film. Have not read the book but I loved the movie.
ReplyDeleteWe had snow... Big beautiful flakes, but it was gone within a day.
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
The book is so atmospheric and one of the few where you really feel the film has captured the essence of the original story. and interestingly David Gutertson home educated his children and has written a book about that too.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
Martine
I haven't seen the film, but I loved the book.
ReplyDeleteWe actually got some fat clumps of snow today (such a rarity!), but they melted quickly. I will have to travel (or watch a movie) to see proper snow.
I haven't seen the movie but remember being enchanted by the book.
ReplyDelete"a woolly sockser"? Well, then, I simply must see it! I've heard of this movie before, yet another to add to the list.
ReplyDeleteso, did you see Dr. Z. last night? such an incredible film but one does have to pretty much delegate an entire evening to it as its what? 3 hours or something.
Well, Willow, can't you pop over here next time it snows and bundle on your Dr. Z. Russian like hat adn we can go and have a snowball fight like kids. you should see me, I laugh like a little kid, I get so into it.
As it is though, there is some remaining on the ground in the grassy areas but no snow lately.
Here's wishing you a lovely Thursday, no doubt cooking up something INCREDIBLE again in your kitchen! :)
I agree. This is a gorgeous film and played so tenderly by the leading actors. There is so much in it--because both of the main characters go through both outer and inner changes. I have watched it again and again. Great Choice for a night like this!
ReplyDelete