Snow Falling on Cedars (1999)

I have to say that this film did nothing for me, and I know why. This film, along with many films of the same style, is extremely lyrical. That means that there are no jokes. The film revolves around illustrating the passion and the yearning the characters have for each other. There is always the direction of withdrawl that one character experiences for the other and the audience experiences this by being shown flashback over flashback of the characters happy encounters overlapped with the sad character's desire for the other, who is trying to move on with their life. I find it hard to sit through these types of films because, in two words, they’re dramatized drama. This style of filmmaking is bland to me. Now you may think I’m a hypocrite, but I love lyrical foreign films, and most lyrical Canadian films; it’s just the American lyrical film that makes me want to fall asleep or fast forward through the film.
The topic of the film was pretty interesting, and I would label this an enjoyable film, but it’s honestly the director’s fault that I don’t like this film. I don’t blame the director for ruining it for me because it’s his style; I just think it’s important to give credit where credit is due. Scott Hicks also directed Shine which I enjoy, but that’s because there was some comic relief present. I think for myself, an American film with no comic relief whatsoever is sacrilegious; it’s their strongest device in their films.
Snow Falling on Cedars did have some great performances and they deserve attention. Ethan Hawke was very cute and lonely.