This does not seem to have been released here, and is not available at my regular dvd vendors. I'll have to sit this one out I'm afraid.

Thanks, but not sure about the 'quality' of my machines either. They don't take graphic download very well at all. I will take a peek but don't hold out a lot of hope that the equipment is up tot the task.

I saw a pre-release of this movie today. Still processing my thoughts but here are some early observations.

While it was a pleasant movie, it wasn't quite the one to get the heart beating that much faster.

A story of misunderstandings and hidding behind masks. She was an indolent self-absorbed miserable young woman who did what many young women have done - married someone who appeared to be bearable if somewhat dull to get away from the continued disgust of one of her parents. She entered marriage for the wrong reasons, without knowing herself let alone the person whe married.

He was hiding behind his research. Nothing else mattered. He believed himself in love with something unattainable, and naturally she could never live up to his deluded expectations. He did not know her, and he most certainly did not know himself, let alone the ways to win a girl's heart.

He promised her a life of excitement, of partying and dancing in far Shanghai - he was unable to fulfill that promise as she understood it so she went looking for a substitute - in the arms of another man. This other man was also playing a game, another facade-wearer, one that he wore to attract female attention and pretend to be and feel something that he did not.

That was when Norton's character suddenly discovered a very vicious, cold and vindictive streak in himself. His treatment of his wife was unpardonable and sent her into a downward spiral of self pity, accusation and despondency. They had done the worst to each other; they had disappointed each other.

This story approached "love" from beneath - as they slowly came to terms with themselves as people, they slowly saw in the other things that attracted them and that they could admire. But by this time, his vengence had condemned them to a miserable part of the world in the grip of a cholera epidemic and certain death for them both.

Norton playing the vindictive vengeful slighted husband was at his best - brilliantly un-emotive and cold. It was hard to come to terms with him as a loving man.
Watts was great all the way through, as the wilful rich girl to the wronged wife and the woman re-born to help others. There were moments when she sounded and almost looked, like Kiera Knightly. They both have a good look and sound for period dramas.

My major question throughout is where did the title come from - most movies make some mention or hint at their title.

The story is not new, and has been told many times over. This particular telling seemed a little thin and used the magnificent scenery to try to fill out the story and the music score to enhance it.

The acting is good (Watts & Norton sometimes) to passable (Norton) and it was interesting to see Dianna Rigg as the head of the Nunnery. The filming was mostly fine but there were some mid shots that were annoyingly out of focus. The setting and the music were exceptional and this is what probably tugs on the audience and stays with them long after the movie is over.

The "kiss me Kate" tussle between them was very good, the slow realisation of the other's worth after a severe let down, and their eventual growing affection was an excellent transformaton.

So - any hints you can give me as to the title though?