The Painted Veil....

I have seen this and don't share the same appreciation for the film.

Have you read the novel?

Naomi and Liev were together for over a decade but never actually got married or even engaged. I thought they were married, but apparently they weren't. They had two kids together and he apparently cheated with the kids' nanny. However, they remain on good terms, and he even commented positively on her engagement/marriage to Billy Crudup.

Praising the soundtrack TWICE in a two paragraph review doesnt say much for the film. Pass.

Naomi is no Garbo

I saw it and really liked it. Naomi Watts was great in it.

Eleanor Parker did a version too, with hunky Bill Travers…

I loved the novel when I read it a couple of years ago. Apparently, the Garbo film strayed far from Maugham's plotting, but I'd still like to see the Watts version.

One of my most memorable first dates was with a (very cute) guy who was absolutely obsessed with The Painted Veil. He’d seen it so many times, you’d think it was his favorite movie of all time. So, bless his heart, he insisted we see it together, practically glowing with excitement while I struggled to keep my eyes open. As the film dragged on, I found myself far more intrigued by the intricate pattern on the theater’s carpet than by the plot. When the lights came up, he looked at me with those starry eyes and asked, “wasn’t that just magnificent?” I had to dig deep to muster a smile and say, “Oh, absolutely. It’s a masterpiece - if you’re into watching paint dry.” Needless to say there was no second date.

I really enjoyed this film.

I honestly think Watts was much better than Garbo. Garbo was brittle. Naomi was nuance, and kind of perfect I loved her character arc and found it very authentic to the story. I don't know where they filmed it , but it was gorgeous.

The score (from Erik Satie) is gorgeous.

I plan to watch it this evening (11/5). I've only seen Naomi in Mulholland Drive and thought she was outstanding.

I read the book years ago; it's not bad but there are some very racists attitudes towards the Chinese so I liked that the (remake) movie made the no nonsense Chinese general a hero in this story. The first time I saw the movie I thought it was a bore, but after watching again, I appreciated how beautiful it was & the chemistry between Norton & Watts. It's one of my favorite period piece type movies

Still watching the “Blue Veil” with Jane Wyman-not going well…poor Jane.

I, too, loved this movie and totally bought into the emotional arc of the two leads. I choked up at the ending —their belated realization of the life they could have had was devastating, and the redemptive power of forgiveness was truly divine (I know, Mary!). And, yes, the sound track (especially the Satie music) is so achingly beautiful and evocative. Thanks, OP, for reminding me that I need to see this movie again.