The Painted Veil Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A doctor drags his cheating wife to a cholera-infested village as revenge, but instead, they find personal growth and better lighting for their marital problems.

🍿 The Painted Veil: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Marriage of Convenience

In 1920s London, Kitty Garstin, a socialite pressured by her family to marry, impulsively weds Walter Fane, a bacteriologist. Their marriage is loveless, based more on Kitty’s desire to escape her family and Walter’s infatuation with her beauty than on genuine affection. They move to Shanghai, where Walter works in a government lab.

Affair and Discovery

Bored and neglected by Walter, Kitty begins an affair with Charles Townsend, a charming and married British vice consul. Walter discovers the infidelity, and his hurt and anger lead him to devise a plan. He accepts a position in a remote Chinese village ravaged by a cholera epidemic and forces Kitty to accompany him.

Trials in Mei-tan-fu

In Mei-tan-fu, Kitty faces harsh living conditions and the constant threat of cholera. She and Walter barely speak, and Kitty feels isolated. Seeking purpose, she volunteers at a local orphanage run by French nuns, where she discovers a new appreciation for Walter’s selfless work and his quiet compassion.

Finding Redemption

As Kitty witnesses Walter’s dedication and the impact he has on the community, she begins to see him in a different light. Walter, in turn, recognizes her capacity for kindness and her genuine desire to help. Their relationship slowly begins to heal, and they find a new respect and understanding for each other.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kitty Fane (Naomi Watts): A vivacious but shallow socialite who marries for convenience and seeks excitement outside her marriage.
• Walter Fane (Edward Norton): An earnest bacteriologist who seeks revenge on his adulterous wife by taking her to a cholera-stricken region.
• Charlie Townsend (Liev Schreiber): A charming but ultimately cowardly diplomat who engages in an affair with Kitty.
• Waddington (Toby Jones): A British deputy commissioner in China who offers worldly wisdom and serves as a confidant to Kitty.
• Mother Superior (Diana Rigg): The enlightened and enlightening head of a convent who aids Walter in fighting the cholera outbreak.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Walter Fane: “It was silly of us to look for qualities in each other that we never had.” – Walter reflects on the fundamental incompatibility between him and Kitty, acknowledging their initial misunderstanding of each other.
• Walter Fane: “I despise myself for loving you.” – Walter expresses his conflicted emotions towards Kitty, torn between love and resentment for her infidelity.
• Kitty Fane: “If a man doesn’t have what it takes to make a woman love him, that’s his fault.” – Kitty defends her affair, placing the blame on Walter’s perceived inadequacies as a husband.
• Kitty Fane: “No one important.” – Kitty dismisses Charles Townsend to her son years later, signifying her final rejection of her past mistakes and shallow desires.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $19.4M
• Domestic Gross: $8.06M
• Worldwide Gross: $26.91M

💥 The Painted Veil Reviews

Personal Review

I was captivated by ‘The Painted Veil’ from start to finish! The stunning scenery and costumes pulled me right into 1920s China. Naomi Watts and Edward Norton had amazing chemistry. The scene where they finally connect while helping the orphans totally got me! I found myself tearing up in that scene where they reconnect. It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. Definitely one of my favorites now!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of period dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about redemption and self-discovery”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances and beautiful cinematography”
  • “Lovers of literary adaptations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Infidelity”
  • “Depiction of disease and death (cholera)”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Some disturbing images related to the epidemic”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A visually stunning and emotionally resonant period drama that explores themes of love, forgiveness, and redemption against the backdrop of a cholera epidemic in 1920s China. Watts and Norton deliver powerful performances, making this a must-see for fans of the genre.
• Rolling Stone: “The Painted Veil is a beautifully crafted film with strong performances from Watts and Norton. While the plot can be slow-paced at times, the film’s stunning visuals and emotional depth make it a worthwhile cinematic experience.

Audience Reactions

The beautiful cinematography and authentic setting made the film a visual masterpiece.: Viewers universally praised the film’s stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere.

Naomi Watts and Edward Norton delivered incredibly moving and believable performances.: The lead actors’ chemistry and depth of emotion resonated deeply with audiences.

Overall Consensus: A beautifully filmed and well-acted period drama that explores the complexities of love and forgiveness, though its slow pace may not appeal to all viewers.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Original Score)- 2007

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Edward Norton personally recruited Naomi Watts for her role in this movie.”
• “The film was shot on location in China, enhancing its visual authenticity.”
• “Alexandre Desplat’s score won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score.”
• “The movie deviates from the novel in the ending.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Painted Veil?

The Painted Veil is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as streaming options may vary by region. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can also be purchased through online retailers like Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Painted Veil, you might like these similar films:

• The English Patient (1996): Both are epic romances set against the backdrop of political turmoil and feature a tragic love story.
• A Passage to India (1984): Explores themes of cultural clash, personal relationships, and the complexities of British colonialism.
• Anna Karenina (2012): Explores the themes of adultery, social expectations, and personal redemption within a tumultuous society.
• Out of Africa (1985): Features a strong female lead finding herself in a colonial setting, grappling with love, loss, and societal expectations.

🛒 The Painted Veil Related Products

• The Painted Veil [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition with bonus features, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
• The Painted Veil (Movie Soundtrack): Digital download of Alexandre Desplat’s beautiful and haunting score, featuring Erik Satie’s ‘Gnossienne No. 1’.
• The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham: Original novel that inspired the movie. Offers a deeper dive into the characters and their motivations.
• Edward Norton Signed Autograph – The Painted Veil – 8×10 Photo: A rare and authentic signed photograph of Edward Norton from the movie ‘The Painted Veil’. Perfect for collectors and fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Painted Veil features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Gnossienne No. 1” – performed by Erik Satie
• “A la Claire Fontaine” – performed by Alexandre Desplat

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Edward Norton Interview – The Painted Veil

Ever wondered what Edward Norton, the director, and screenwriter of ‘The Painted Veil’ had to say about the making of the film? In this interview, he shares his thoughts on the adaptation of the novel and the challenges of filming in China. Check it out!

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