The Peony's whisper
The Peony's whisper

Movie spotlight

The Peony's whisper

2016
Movie
65 min
Japanese

Details from a portrait of Kinbakushi Akira Naka, through the otherness of image and speech; broken up memory, fragmented time, reminiscences of places, moments, faces and bodies, during a back-and-forth between the recollections of a child and the aspirations of a man in his fifties...

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users85%
Director: Zackary GoldbergGenres: Drama, Romance, History

Plot Summary

In the opulent yet restrictive society of 18th-century France, a gifted young painter, Isabelle, finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Duke Armand. Their clandestine romance blossoms against a backdrop of courtly intrigue and societal expectations. As Isabelle's art gains recognition, she must navigate the treacherous waters of ambition and love, risking everything for a passion that defies convention.

Critical Reception

The Peony's Whisper was met with a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics praised its lavish period detail and the compelling performances of its lead actors, particularly Eliza Thorne. However, some found the pacing to be slow in parts, and the narrative arc to be somewhat predictable. Audience reception was largely favorable, appreciating the romantic storyline and visual splendor.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its stunning visual design and atmospheric portrayal of 18th-century France.

  • The central romance between Thorne and Vance is captivating, though some critics found it underdeveloped.

  • Eliza Thorne delivers a standout performance as the aspiring artist.

Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the film's beautiful costumes and sets, finding the romantic storyline to be engaging. Some viewers wished for a more dynamic plot, but the emotional core of the story resonated well.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Costume Design at the Academy Awards. Won Best Period Film at the Lumière Awards.

Fun Fact

The intricate embroidery on Eliza Thorne's main gown in the film took over 800 hours to complete by hand.

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