The Painted Veil

Directed by John Curran, starring my #1 actor Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, Liev Schreiber, and Anthony Wong. Based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Ed Norton was producer, so was Naomi Watts.

Set in the 1920, Walter Fane (Norton) was a silent bacteriologist, married to Kitty (Watts) who was a selfish, spoilt girl from the upper-class. Tortured by their loveless marriage, Kitty was attracted to the smooth Charlie Townsend (Schreiber, Watts' real-live lover) who gave her promises that he couldn't keep. Disappointed, Kitty decided to go with Walter to China, where he was going to do a research on the cholera epidemic that was happening there. As they both spent time in a foreign place, their relationship developed, with a beautiful, remote Chinese village as a background, great cinematography and great score. (featured pianist Lang Lang)

Okay, so, this film is starred by the greatestactorofourgenerationever, Edward Norton. As a hugehuge fan, I admit that The Illusionist kinda disapponted me. It felt like he wasn't there most of the time in that film. But this film made up all the disappointments I had. I love Ed in this film. He came off loving, silent and intelligent but at the same time, cruel and cold (kinda reminded me of Ralph Fiennes). I love him. The story was also very very good.. You thought it was Unfaithful, but it was SO not. Absolutely so much more. Both Norton and Watts gave an incredible performance. This film sure deserved a far better marketing and distribution. Go find the DVD and watch it!

9 / 10.