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The Worst Film Ever

Sorry, this movie sucks

Pretty Good

Admirable film.

Although I wouldn't go as far as the previous reviewer who ranked "Valley of Flowers" as low as "1", I too was very disappointed in a film that had so much going for it: great locations, beautiful cinematography and sound, and an obvious creative vision.It's the latter that should have been reined in. What starts out as an epic fable (the mystery girl and the bandit) turns into a metaphysical morality tale (throw in the "Yeti" character) and then morphs into a sci-fi fantasy (let's leap ahead a few hundred years and cross Asia from India to Japan in the process). We are so invested in the first story -- the fable -- that the sudden leaps of genre leave us feeling cheated, as no credible emotional resolution for the characters is in sight. Somebody (you'd think the film's backers) would have said something to the writer/director in the development phase.Apparently, no one was paying attention. With so much going for it, I left the screening at the IFFA in LA feeling so much talent and resources had been squandered. I haven't seen any other work from this director, but I hope that next time around he's able to sustain a story with an emotional arc without resorting to narrative acrobatics.

Being in St. Petersburg, in Russia of today, films like Valley of Flowers are really welcomed. Like some other viewers I did find the film long. It plays beyond two and half hours and apparently theatrical released version is shorter by some 30/40 minutes.I've immensely enjoyed this stunning film. I'm happy to ignore the weaknesses in editing and acting but my full marks goes to its daring originality, innovative theme and unexplored locations.Somehow, the film compelled me to return to the cinema for a second viewing. Second time, to my surprise, I enjoyed the film even more. And I did not even find it longer.Personally, I have not heard about this director or seen any of his earlier films but one thing is certain that his command on the craft of film-making is of top level. His grasp of cinematic styles and sound design shows sensitive and perceptive mind he posses.He truly masters the valley of silence sequence in the film. This scene alone is something one has never seen in films before. No music, no sound effects, no folyes... and the filmmaker carries the scene breathtakingly well. And manages to keep the spectators on the edge of their seat.Another great achievement is "time walk" sequence, creation of the character of Yeti also deserves a special mention.Two Ushnas are Devin and sexy. The ambiance of Tokyo scenes is hauntingly beautiful. The filmmaker does not waste any time by showing us cityscapes and establishing shots - instead he remains focused on Jalan's loneliness & immortality.My favorite part is the end but should not be revealed. The last image of Yeti's feet taking a "time walk" but in the opposite direction -the nature's balance is restored- is one of the most satisfactory and subtle end in recent cinematic history.Like others, I fail to understand why no one is talking about this film? Why is it not shown in some high profile festivals? This films deserves a big release as big as its canvas is.I fail to understand why there is no promotion at all, except the odd and meaningless poster we have seen here in Russia?Are we the few odd users to love this film? or we are just simply nuts.

I happened to see this film in Paris with few friends. The film was subtitled in French and I do not speak or read French. But to my surprise the film grabbed my attention, than slowly my mind mysteriously... as it turned poetic and touching -I was in the VALLEY OF FLOWERS, not wanting to go out and face the French arrogance...It is almost meaningless to try to ascertain any scientific or cultural logic beneath the surface of this allegorical story inspired from Alexandra David Neel's work. Such hairsplitting will only make you lose the merit of this work.The film commences in early 19th Century in the Himalayas, a gang of bandits wait for their attack. We are almost in Sergio Leone feel... After the attack the chief of bandit falls for a mysterious victim. Now begins a great love story as they go on pillaging silk route... Soon comes the "Sherrif" and he is going to get the "outlaws"...Lovers after savoring material wealth leap into super-natural thefts, the chase continues... I will not reveal all but finally two centuries later, ends in Tokyo of today.There are many themes which touches all of us, the film remains universal and will surely strike US audience with its magical spell. After all it is very modern and new age. Somewhat BABEL or THE FOUNTAIN like.Already there is great concept, great style and great photography. This story would make a fantastic American remake. Imagine 2 centuries ago the Grand Canryon, a group of outlaws attack Navajo or Hopi Indians, One of the Outlaw falls in love with a mysterious Indian girl. Together they rob the wild west. Then comes the bounty hunter or sheriff. The chase begins. But soon the mysterious Indian girl leads our hero to supernatural robberies with voodoo and black magic of Indians thrown in -they robe vital energies, luck and ultimately they want to become Immortal. They find in a far far land a Hualapai holy man and steal from him the elixir of immortality. It works on him but she dies. Tragedy. He will live on with his suffering and longing... cut to modern day NYC where our hero is 197 years of age!!!! Isn't that great? Use your imagination and you will see this will make a superb remake about love, longing and death. I agree it is better plot than The Fountain (2006)Sorry, writer in me took off. But that is the proof, there are rare movies in the world today which can inspire you or fire up your imagination. Do not miss Valley of Flowers, mind you it is not a perfect film, it has it weaknesses. But it is indeed a haunting film. Valley is also a philosophical journey through the ideas of life, love, loss, and hope.Valley of Flowers provokes something very human out of its viewers. I can remember being one of the few in the audience (having had a full house in the beginning) and still watching the credits roll, sharing a strange sensation. It wasn't joy. It wasn't sorrow. It was just feeling a part of something that I can't explain, and I think just for that -this movie is something quite remarkable for being able to do that.

Valley of Flowers got me all excited, as it was the very first public screening in Delhi's packed Siri Fort Audi where audience was spilling all over the floor... Spectators were made of all races, many from abroad to participate in Cinefan. Among them India's who's-who; film stars, ministers, ambassadors, business tycoons, designers, software giants, painters, musicians, writers and loads of young people.Film did get mixed reactions, however I did not allow myself to be influenced by other's opinion. Something strong certainly happened to me when the lights came on –as if I was coming out of hypnosis. I even forgot to give a round of applause.The film surely has something and I haven't figured out what? At 155 minutes, it is long, has certain problems, badly subtitled and weak in parts. But I am astonished at the story, characters and cinematic style. Pan Nalin with his second feature (after Samsara) makes a very bold step in unexplored territories and comes out strong as a scriptwriter with guts, a director with exceptional talent and a filmmaker to watch out for. Just for all those reasons I have generously given 10 out of 10.Film's plot is both, complex and simple. It might not be for everyone but it's truly worth the viewing. Rarely a theme of love, longing and immortality has been so well depicted before. Valley… is a hymn to harmony in nature, balance among demons and humans, good and evil, life and death, black and white. It is a poetic telling of reincarnation and karma. Valley… is a magnificent house, filmmaker invites us inside with warm Asian hospitality but does not give us keys to all the doors. Now for some that will be a negative thing and for others it would be positive. Because Pan Nalin allows audience to interact with this epic love story –in honest manner.There are breathtaking moments in Valley… like appearance of Ushna, levitated lovemaking, valley of silence, time-walk and final climax in Japan. Cinematography is superb and the casting is near perfect. Himalayan landscapes are awesome. Towards the end the entire resolution of the saga happens in modern-day Tokyo and that is destructive and divine –like most Asian myths. Pan Nalin's regard on Tokyo and Japan is very sensitive and subtle.Watching Valley… is truly a cinematic experience of unforgettable kind –I highly recommend to those who love traveling beyond mainstream