Valley of Flowers (2006)

A great Asian love story, an unforgettable tale about passion, death and reincarnation. A mesmerizing Himalayan epic that spans two centuries, from the Silk Route of the early 19th century to the bustling metropolis of modern-day Tokyo.

Director:

Pan Nalin

Writers:

Pan Nalin, Sarah Besan Shennib

Stars:

Milind Soman, Mylène Jampanoï, Naseeruddin Shah

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Milind Soman	...	Jalan
Mylène Jampanoï	...	Ushna (as Mylene Jampanoi)
Naseeruddin Shah	...	Yeti
Jampa Kalsang Tamang	...	Jampa-la
Anil Yadav	...	Hak-chi
Migmar Tashi	...	Na-hus
Tashi Thondup	...	Tashi
Nawang Tharchin	...	Jalan's Gang
Urgyen Tsering	...	Jalan's Gang
Skalsang	...	Jalan's Gang
Phuntsok Namgyal Dhumkhang	...	Jalan's Gang
Tsega	...	Jalan's Gang
Amchok Jigmet	...	Jalan's Gang
Tseten Dorje	...	Jalan's Gang
Tsering Bawa	...	Jalan's Gang

Storyline

Along the highest mountain passes of the Himalayas, tough, intrepid Jalan (Milind Soman) and his gang earn their living by stealing from unsuspecting travelers. Abiding by their own, unique codes of honor and dividing the spoils equally, all is routine until the arrival of the mystifying, beautiful Ushna (Mylene Jampanoi). Appearing mysteriously after the raid of a pilgrim caravan, Ushna adheres to Jalan, claiming to have seen him in her dreams, and refusing to leave his side. Sensing the unease of the rest of the men, Ushna offers to help them in their endeavors, under condition that they not ask why or how she is able to guide them to success. In the time that follows, Ushna leads the gang to tremendous exploits, gaining the respect of the men, and the admiration of Jalan, who begins to fall passionately in love with this mysterious woman. As their success increases, seemingly unstoppable, so the love between Jalan and Ushna mounts in intensity, until they seem to have entered a ...

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Plot Keywords:

reincarnation | immortality | love | yeti | levitation | 

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Taglines:

Love is eternal, lovers not.

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Romance

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Germany]

Country:

India France Japan Germany

Language:

Hindi Japanese

Release Date:

24 January 2007 (France)

Also Known As:

La vallée des fleurs

Filming Locations:

India

Box Office

Budget:

$6,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Elzévir Films,France 2 Cinéma,Monsoon Films Private Limited

Technical Specs

Runtime:

155 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film has had a official release in certain European countries. But the film remains unreleased in India. This is the reason why several illegally pirated DVD's of the film are in circulation for sale. The film is also available online to watch.

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Quotes

Yeti: Reality is caused by alcoholic deficiency.

User Reviews

are we crazy to love this film?

Being in St. Petersburg, in Russia of today, films like Valley of Flowers are really welcomed. Like some other viewers I did find the film long. It plays beyond two and half hours and apparently theatrical released version is shorter by some 30/40 minutes.

I've immensely enjoyed this stunning film. I'm happy to ignore the weaknesses in editing and acting but my full marks goes to its daring originality, innovative theme and unexplored locations.

Somehow, the film compelled me to return to the cinema for a second viewing. Second time, to my surprise, I enjoyed the film even more. And I did not even find it longer.

Personally, I have not heard about this director or seen any of his earlier films but one thing is certain that his command on the craft of film-making is of top level. His grasp of cinematic styles and sound design shows sensitive and perceptive mind he posses.

He truly masters the valley of silence sequence in the film. This scene alone is something one has never seen in films before. No music, no sound effects, no folyes... and the filmmaker carries the scene breathtakingly well. And manages to keep the spectators on the edge of their seat.

Another great achievement is "time walk" sequence, creation of the character of Yeti also deserves a special mention.

Two Ushnas are Devin and sexy. The ambiance of Tokyo scenes is hauntingly beautiful. The filmmaker does not waste any time by showing us cityscapes and establishing shots - instead he remains focused on Jalan's loneliness & immortality.

My favorite part is the end but should not be revealed. The last image of Yeti's feet taking a "time walk" but in the opposite direction -the nature's balance is restored- is one of the most satisfactory and subtle end in recent cinematic history.

Like others, I fail to understand why no one is talking about this film? Why is it not shown in some high profile festivals? This films deserves a big release as big as its canvas is.

I fail to understand why there is no promotion at all, except the odd and meaningless poster we have seen here in Russia?

Are we the few odd users to love this film? or we are just simply nuts.