Norwegian Wood

Vietnamese Director Tran Anh Hung has created a piece of cinematic beauty in Norwegian Wood, an adaptation of the modern literary classic by Haruki Murakami. Set in 1960s Japan, the film tells the mournful story of Toru Watanabe and his tragic relationship with Naoko. Driven by a shared sense of loss following the death of Kizuki, Naoko’s soulmate and Watanabe’s best friend, the couple develop a love of their own, set against the stunning backdrop of the Japanese countryside.

With delicate attention to detail and a haunting score by Jonnny Greenwood, each scene evokes a powerful sense of place with palpable passion between the young lovers. However, as their romance languidly twists from torment to tragedy a feeling of impatience sets in. Rather than a will they/won’t they scenario, it’s more a case of why are they? This is where Murakami’s immaculate characterisation and warm observation outclass any of the tools Anh Hung has at his disposal. [Matthew Stanger]