I loved it, it's a tender and subtle film, well worth watching. Nothing raunchy or unpleasant as is the fashion nowadays but a simple building friendship between two women. It's one of my favourite films, I think where it's set adds to the film. I'm not sure if it portrays northern men in a good light but all in all its a lovely film. I don't think it needs to take the relationship between the two women any further than it does. When Ellen comes to realise how she feels..it's enough I've watched many films of this genre including 'Desert Hearts' and 'Fire' which I also enjoyed. I recommend this film, your not going to be shocked or disgusted what goes on. Beautifully acted by the two leading women..Andrina Carroll and Barbara Marten too.

If you consider yourself a purist, romanticist or idealist, you would appreciate this title! Very subtle yet a captivating screenplay throughout. A magnificent portrayal of a woman's love that only could be brought by woman's heart. Devastatingly romantic story. I am quite impressed by the splendid talents of captivating leading casts, masterful director, screen writer and crew of those who made the creation of this Magnificent masterpiece possible. I would not call this movie a lesbian film. It deserves to be categorised as mainstream story of love and trust between women so beautifully and intimately portrayedSince the beginning of civilisation philosophers, psychologists, many scholars and like had debated against the superiority of love that a woman can offer to all of man kinds (to both men and to women) . I personally view that of women are definitely superior to the others. Since the majority of us do not experience temporary loss of vision or complete loss of consciousness due to the required depth of sedation for major surgery such as open heart or open skull procedures. These procedures can cause tremendous trauma to your psyche. It is not unusual for patient and nurse to develop an almost like loving attachment to each other from the moment the nurse transfers you from a rolling bed to a recovery bed, then calling your name and caressing you as if rescuing you from desolated realm of unconscious. If you compare it with the same task performed by male surgical assistants at operating room ,you will be impressed with the fact that a woman's love is a priceless enlightenment. It is highly likely that someone like Ellen had finally awakened from a life-long repression to that enlightenment by following her own heart. Every female child has dreams of being swept up into a great adventure, of being the beautiful princess. Lamentably, when women grow up, they are often swept up into a life filled merely with demands, duty and responsibility. Many women are tired, struggling under the senseless pressure to be of a faithful servant, or a caregiver for children, husband or father and like. If Chen An had realised that demands from her father were unreasonable, the both girls could have survived. I have known an award winning blind female writer and her nurse companion who helped her publishing her novels until the end of writer's life age 72. The nurse died next summer found afloat on River Kamo during Gion Festival (Buddhist Spiritual season) leaving a will to be buried next to the writer. In fact I have seen them twice together on the bridge across a pond within the property of an ancient Buddhist temple in 1970's. Nurse were eyes to the writer and describing everything that the nurse can see. The both women looked very beautiful radiating the glory of love between them. They both were descendant of ancient noble families go back to 11th century and their presence seemed to enhance the tranquillity of the mid-autumn setting. I could not help but wishing their happy union forever from the moment I saw the strength and intensity of woman's love. I have always been a straight male, However, it has forever changed my attitude about woman's love. So let's wish the two women best luck and let them pursue their happiness! Julien Kujo a.k.a.,Pinecloud, Palo Alto, CA., USA

Looking forward to a subtle period piece about love which cannot be expressed easily especially in the repressive 1950s, I was hoping for a film with plenty of subtlety and nuance, expressiveness and sensitivity. Unfortunately, these factors were demeaned by an excruciating screenplay, totally inadequate to the film and its actors; a monotonously boring and irritating soundtrack which obtruded at every point; and a labouring of obvious sentiments unnecessarily. The actors were inhibited, not by the subject, but by the production and dialogue. Watching this film was not dissimilar to watching paint dry - or in this case peeling - the door of the leading character's house was dilapidated and needed stripping down and repainting badly - a rather good metaphor for the whole film.However, the one high point was the setting: the period detail was exact and lovingly attended to by the director (and as I read, he inherited many of the accessories from his grandmother). I was brought up in the fifties and felt totally familiar with the scenes - whether soft furnishings and wallpapers; kitchen utensils and public transport, costumes and handbags. These were a joy to see - but sadly, the film moved as slowly as the fifties I remember (maybe this was intentional!).So I can only rate this movie as 5 out of 10. I liked the story and the characters, but the drama was too low-key to be effective and for a story of 'forbidden love' did not translate to a 21st century audience who are a world away from fifties ideology, prejudices, and inhibitions. It was nice that the film ended on a note of hope but the plot was contrived to achieve this and fell flat.Pity.

This jewel of a film is strictly for romantics. The film is a quiet character study of a woman who finds the courage to open herself to the possibilities of love and happiness. After a lifetime of repression and fear of disappointing family, the lead character can no longer deny the intense feelings that have developed between herself and her son's schoolteacher, and finally allows herself to experience what she really wants. The film may not contain the flash and raunchiness that many viewers are used to (no kissing, although there is some very heart-warming hand-holding), but for this viewer, it was stirring and captivating, and one of the most vividly romantic pieces I've seen in a long time. Magnificent acting highlighted this beautiful story.