Still the Water

"'Still The Water' has an idealism and a tranquillity. Kawase's distinctive serenity and generosity of spirit remain valuable qualities in the cinema. (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of five)" 

"The Japanese helmer's trademark visual splendor is weighed down by a chunky, underdeveloped script (...) Still, the lush rural imagery and cryptic emotions will probably captivate Kawase's international fanbase" 

"'Still The Water' is a spectacle for the senses, which, if there is any justice, will be remembered as one of the greater films of the competition." 

" If you're in the right frame of mind, or if you simply like this sort of movie, the rewards are worth it (...) Rating: ★★★ (out of 4)" 

"A soporific drama devoted to thrashing out the meaning of love, life and death (...) Kawase embraces nature worship and pompous philosophizing in her indulgently mannerist style, which (...) overwhelms a small yet potentially moving story."