I heard about this film more than a year ago but didn't get around to watching it until last week. The first thing that stands out about this movie is Pan Nalin's superb direction and breathtaking cinematography, which depicts the 19th century Himalayas like never before in the first half of the film. However, the storyline was also quite slow-paced in the first half. On the other hand, the second half of the film, which takes place in modern-day Tokyo, doesn't have such a great cinematography but the storyline moves along at a much better pace, leading up to a hard-hitting and very touching ending.8/10

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.

I am probably the only person who has seen TWO Valley of Flowers the one I saw in Delhi and second I saw today here in Turkey at the Gala premiere of Eurasian Film Festival where Valley.. is competing with some of the best films from Europe and Asia.In Delhi I had really loved the movie -thus here in Antalya I wanted to go and see it again with friends but little did I know that the film was violently butchered down by good 40 minutes from its original version!!Here, I disliked the film.Does anyone know why? OR is it one of those same old song of "creative differences" where producers and distributors get to chop movies to make them commercially viable?!If that is the case -then it is sad. Because the director's cut was long but played hypnotically well for me. The film's theme is powerful and rare. And I agree with other comments that the film will have tough time finding its audience. However I do NOT agree with the comments from ChomChom India -it sounds more like Jealousy or Bitterness then a serious comment. And ChomChom from India should not generalise, I was also present at the very same screening and me and my friends loved the picture.Pan Nalin's Valley of Flowers would surely add a new angle to many Buddhism based movies. The whole idea of impermanence and laws of karma is portrayed in delightful modern way. Valley has Japanese MANGA like quality and interwoven web of deep Asian philosophy. The film is full of codes, most are difficult to decipher unless you pay close attention. Followers of Eastern Religion and Philosophy will be able to point out these symbols.Another reason I loved Valley... is because it reminded me of Antonioni's "The Passenger" -the lead, Jack Nicholson plays reporter who does his time in the desert and steals identity of a dead arm trafficker. Then he meets Maria Schneider character, love blossoms and together they travel into the oblivion... Like Jelan and Usna of Valley of Flowers.Nalin manages to render his story with shades of greys and black. He keeps on fighting with the pace like a warrior but does not succeed. However he leaves you with unforgettable impressions, poetry, ideas...If you do get opportunity to see Valley's Director's Cut don't miss it. However, If you are going to see the butchered version of 2hr then you better visit the official website of the film (www.valleyofflowers.com) and understand the story and background. If not you just MIGHT not get it -like ChomChom from India.

I watched this film at its international premiere in Delhi a month or so back. the hall was packed as it was the opening film of the Asian film festival.. and expectations ran high. i was personally very excited at the thought of a pan-Asian cast, a storyline that ran through centuries, a mix of Indian sensibilities with an international aesthetic...by the middle of the film, i couldn't wait to get out of the hall! and i wasn't alone, practically the whole hall was in a tearing rush to leave.. not sure of why this completely uninspiring and flawed film had been picked to open the festival! the acting is atrocious (although the women are hot!), the plot is far-fetched and unconvincing, and the film has every stereotype imaginable as far as depiction of the spiritual side of India is concerned! it doesn't miss out on anything... there are levitating sadhus, abominable snowmen (well, almost), bandits and huurrs. yet, somehow despite all the razzmatazz and the seemingly honest intentions of the director... this is a film that fails to hold your interest beyond the excellent production design.i haven't watched samsara.. but hear that it is a major international success, which explains how pan nalin managed to raise money for this mammoth production.. but really after watching VOF, i couldn't care less! and oh yeah, milind soman should go back to modeling... acting is just not his thing!