Truly Dreadful Film

Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

Admirable film.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

I heard about this film more than a year ago but didn't get around to watching it until last week. The first thing that stands out about this movie is Pan Nalin's superb direction and breathtaking cinematography, which depicts the 19th century Himalayas like never before in the first half of the film. However, the storyline was also quite slow-paced in the first half. On the other hand, the second half of the film, which takes place in modern-day Tokyo, doesn't have such a great cinematography but the storyline moves along at a much better pace, leading up to a hard-hitting and very touching ending.8/10

Finished this movie tonight, I have been Himalayas 3 years ago, and spend the whole great week there. The breathtaking landscape reminded me again the good time I have been stay there, the magic story made the movie and the place much more mysterious and attractive. (There is same one in China which directed by famous Yimou Zhang), maybe the eternal love is human being's dream regardless race or location. However, honestly speaking, the last half of the movie, the scene in Japan, did make me pretty disappointed, which is different with the style of the whole movie; I was looking forward to seeing more fantastic polt when time came to modern society, their love looks weak and fake in this big city, but it ends without expectation; I felt like ate an delicious cake, choked suddenly.Anyway, I might be back Himalayas next year, this movie made me miss the mountain and air there.

I am probably the only person who has seen TWO Valley of Flowers the one I saw in Delhi and second I saw today here in Turkey at the Gala premiere of Eurasian Film Festival where Valley.. is competing with some of the best films from Europe and Asia.In Delhi I had really loved the movie -thus here in Antalya I wanted to go and see it again with friends but little did I know that the film was violently butchered down by good 40 minutes from its original version!!Here, I disliked the film.Does anyone know why? OR is it one of those same old song of "creative differences" where producers and distributors get to chop movies to make them commercially viable?!If that is the case -then it is sad. Because the director's cut was long but played hypnotically well for me. The film's theme is powerful and rare. And I agree with other comments that the film will have tough time finding its audience. However I do NOT agree with the comments from ChomChom India -it sounds more like Jealousy or Bitterness then a serious comment. And ChomChom from India should not generalise, I was also present at the very same screening and me and my friends loved the picture.Pan Nalin's Valley of Flowers would surely add a new angle to many Buddhism based movies. The whole idea of impermanence and laws of karma is portrayed in delightful modern way. Valley has Japanese MANGA like quality and interwoven web of deep Asian philosophy. The film is full of codes, most are difficult to decipher unless you pay close attention. Followers of Eastern Religion and Philosophy will be able to point out these symbols.Another reason I loved Valley... is because it reminded me of Antonioni's "The Passenger" -the lead, Jack Nicholson plays reporter who does his time in the desert and steals identity of a dead arm trafficker. Then he meets Maria Schneider character, love blossoms and together they travel into the oblivion... Like Jelan and Usna of Valley of Flowers.Nalin manages to render his story with shades of greys and black. He keeps on fighting with the pace like a warrior but does not succeed. However he leaves you with unforgettable impressions, poetry, ideas...If you do get opportunity to see Valley's Director's Cut don't miss it. However, If you are going to see the butchered version of 2hr then you better visit the official website of the film (www.valleyofflowers.com) and understand the story and background. If not you just MIGHT not get it -like ChomChom from India.

A fantastic film to enjoy and inspire. Valley of Flowers has gorgeous male lead and two lovely leading ladies. On their trail is Yeti, played by famous star Naseeruddin Shah. Pan Nalin has a talent for discovering talent; in Valley of Flowers he gives a break to French-Chinese Mylene Jampanoi (watch out Zhang Zyi and Sophie Marceau!!) and Japanese Eri.Vertigenous landscapes and skyscrapers, superb casting, sublime costumes, subtle lighting and mysterious music makes Valley of Flowers an exceptional cinematic experience.The story, warning -stay awake! Nalin does not give you all answers, he tells you his story in riddles. The film is a great long saga running full 2 hours and 35 minutes, from early 19th century to contemporary Japan. Allow your mind to be open to feel this mind blowing film.It successfully encompasses themes of love and sacrifice, mortality and karma. It starts like an "Eastern" (a Western from the East) and towards the end drifts into poetic Asian images.Given the length and the content of the movie, it is likely to suffer distribution problem. Besides Valley of Flowers invents its own "genre" -thus it is non-classifiable.It is not often that such films are made, slightly ahead of its time -Valley of Flowers will neither be commercial enough for Hollywood nor "arty" enough for auteur driven festivals.But Valley of Flowers, personally speaking, will have an important role to play in evolution of Indian and Asian cinema.Don't miss it!