SNOW FALLING ON CEDARS

Year: 1999
USA: Universal Pictures
UK: UIP (UK)
Cast: Ethan Hawke, James Cromwell, Richard Jenkins, James Rebhorn, San Shepard, Zeljko Ivanek, Eric Thal, Max Von Sydow, Youki Kudoh, Rick Yune, Jan Rubes, Celia Weston, Max Wright, Arija Bareikis, Caroline Kava, Zak Orth, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Daniel Von Bargen, Reeve Carney, Ann Suzuki, Ako, Robert J. Burke Jr, Anthony Harrison, Saemi Nakamura, Gareth Williams
Director: Scott Hicks
Country: USA
USA: 126 mins
UK: 127 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for disturbing images, sensuality and brief strong language
UK Certificate: 15 for moments of sex, strong language and violence
USA Release Date: 22 December 1999 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 12 May 2000


Synopsis

Fog as thick and palpable as cotton hangs suspended over San Piedro Island, an island in the Pacific Northwest. On the bay, a flickering lantern signals distress from a crippled fishing boat, while elsewhere a freighter lurches blindly through the chalky mist. By morning, sea and sky are clear, but the tranquil village of fisherman and berry farmers will forever be changed. For one man has lost his life, and another -a childhood friend- has been charged with taking it. An investigation is launched. The trial begins.

A reporter covering the trial, Ishmael Chambers, sits in the courtroom, carefully observing the person with whom he shared the rapturous secrets of childhood, the only woman he has ever loved. Hatsue, the defendant's wife. Their tortured relationship will have an unexpected bearing on the trial of Kazuo Miyamoto, which serves to frame Snow Falling On Cedars. The film set in 1950, is a multi-layered exploration of memory, love and reconciliation.

The film is Australian director Scott Hicks' follow-up to the much-acclaimed Shine, a 1997 Academy Award nominee in seven categories, including Best Film and Best Director.