Even within simplicity, one may find complex beauty. This thought came to me as I watched this beautiful movie. Having seen director Yimou Zhang’s “Raise the Red Lantern” and “House of Flying Daggers” movies, I was intrigued to get this film. Without the martial arts fighting or special effects, this movie gently settles on the viewer like a fine silk cloth. With wonderful landscapes as a backdrop, my already abundant appetite to travel simmered to a boil. The story will draw tears from your eyes and spread a smile onto your face. A Japanese fisherman, played by Ken Takakura (Black Rain, Railroad Man), who is estranged from his son, is turned away from the hospital room where his only child lies dying. Being given an unfinished movie by the son’s wife, the fisherman embarks on a journey to China’s Yunnan province.  His hope is to film a famous Chinese folk-opera star, to complete his son’s movie project and in so doing, honor him and possibly win back his affections. The trip leads the father down a road that changes his life forever. My wish for you, when viewing this movie, is you discover the road you are traveling on has unexpected rest stops, filled with wonderment. Mandarin/Japanese with English subtitles.

3 1/2 stars — DVD