Drama,Romance
United States of America
Snow Falling on Cedars is a 1999 film adaptation of the novel of the same name by David Guterson. Set in 1950s Washington State, the film tells the story of a local fisherman named Kabuo Miyamoto (played by Rick Yune), who is accused of murdering his neighbor Carl Heine Jr. (Eric Thal) at sea. The trial that follows soon becomes a racially-charged affair, as Kabuo is Japanese-American and many of the white residents of the small island community harbor deep-seated prejudices against him.
The film is also structured around the character of Ishmael Chambers (Ethan Hawke), a local newspaper reporter who has a complex personal history with Kabuo. Ishmael was once in love with Kabuo's wife, Hatsue (Youki Kudoh), and their relationship ended abruptly when Hatsue and her family were sent to an internment camp during World War II. As an adult, Ishmael finds himself drawn back into the story of Kabuo's trial and forced to confront his own feelings about Hatsue, as well as the role that race is playing in the case.
Throughout the film, there are also frequent flashbacks to Kabuo and Hatsue's young adulthood, as well as scenes from their internment camp experience. These elements help to flesh out the characters and provide greater context for their experiences and motivations.
Overall, Snow Falling on Cedars is a powerful and deeply affecting film about race, love, and the lasting wounds of war. The performances are all top-notch, particularly Yune and Kudoh as Kabuo and Hatsue, and the cinematography and score help to create a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere throughout.
