Well, the story of "Solomon and Gaenor" isn't exactly original. It's the centuries old tale of star-crossed lovers, with a different setting and time. Uncompromising families, the hardship that surrounds everyone's lives, the protective, stern and brutal brother and of course, the sad ending; every element is present.
In my opinion, a few things put this film above others that utilize similar "star-crossed lovers" plots.
1. Cinematography: Great throughout the film, brilliant at certain pivotal sequences... Solomon's death is one of those scenes (with the camera rotating 360 degrees in bird's eye view) and so is his last trip across the snowy Welsh countryside. The nude scenes between the lovers were also shot with great elegance, but without compromising the feeling of authenticity.
2. Symbolism: The old church ruin (which is revisited at one of the very last scenes) becoming a refuge for the pair, and the almost simultaneous death and birth are the most memorable. I was glad to see that the symbolism didn't get too heavy handed, although it had many opportunities to do so.
3. Unpretentious and accurate portrayal of the characters: Firstly, the film doesn't miss the vital point that it's the love, not the lovers, that is noble and grand in a story like this. The lovers are portrayed as the young and confused human beings they are, without overlooking their flaws and weaknesses. Same goes for the supporting characters. Solomon's mother couldn't have been more real. I'm sure every Jewish family has one relative who somewhat resembles her. When I heard her speak, I almost shouted "bubbe"! Also, the money spent on the language coach seems to have paid off.
It didn't hurt either, that both Salamon and Gaenor were portrayed by absolutely gorgeous looking actors. (Being male, I'm more fit to judge Gaenor's appearance than Shlomo's, but I presume Mr. Gruffudd's looks wouldn't get him kicked out of too many beds.) Somehow we seem to be more interested in a romance led by two good looking people rather than two, that are less so.
Good film. Heck! The first romance I really enjoyed from beginning till the end.
In my opinion, a few things put this film above others that utilize similar "star-crossed lovers" plots.
1. Cinematography: Great throughout the film, brilliant at certain pivotal sequences... Solomon's death is one of those scenes (with the camera rotating 360 degrees in bird's eye view) and so is his last trip across the snowy Welsh countryside. The nude scenes between the lovers were also shot with great elegance, but without compromising the feeling of authenticity.
2. Symbolism: The old church ruin (which is revisited at one of the very last scenes) becoming a refuge for the pair, and the almost simultaneous death and birth are the most memorable. I was glad to see that the symbolism didn't get too heavy handed, although it had many opportunities to do so.
3. Unpretentious and accurate portrayal of the characters: Firstly, the film doesn't miss the vital point that it's the love, not the lovers, that is noble and grand in a story like this. The lovers are portrayed as the young and confused human beings they are, without overlooking their flaws and weaknesses. Same goes for the supporting characters. Solomon's mother couldn't have been more real. I'm sure every Jewish family has one relative who somewhat resembles her. When I heard her speak, I almost shouted "bubbe"! Also, the money spent on the language coach seems to have paid off.
It didn't hurt either, that both Salamon and Gaenor were portrayed by absolutely gorgeous looking actors. (Being male, I'm more fit to judge Gaenor's appearance than Shlomo's, but I presume Mr. Gruffudd's looks wouldn't get him kicked out of too many beds.) Somehow we seem to be more interested in a romance led by two good looking people rather than two, that are less so.
Good film. Heck! The first romance I really enjoyed from beginning till the end.