(Rated PG-13, 127 mins.)
Opens Jan. 7
“Snow Falling on Cedars” is a multi-layered exploration of memory, love and reconciliation. Set in 1950 on an island in the Pacific Northwest, the film is Australian director Scott Hicks’ follow-up to the much acclaimed “Shine,” his 1997 Academy Award nominee in seven categories, including Best Film and Best Director.
The acting ensemble incredibly includes Ethan Hawke, who shows after several flops, that there is role suited for his talent after bad career choices. In addition, Youki Kodoh, Max von Sydow, James Cromwell, James Rebhorn and Sam Shepard star in a story that hangs over San Piedro Island, in a land of fishermen and berry farmers that will be forever changed. When an investigation is launched over one man losing his life and one man charged, a trial begins. The tortured relationship of his long time love interest in Hatsue, the defendant’s wife will have incredible bearing on the trial’s outcome and lives that will be changed forever.