The Painted Veil

Name: The Painted Veil
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: December 20, 2006
Duration: 125 min
Rating: 69
Cast: Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts

2006

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 33 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 131 Ratings

See All

8.5

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8.5	Your Score
8.5	User Score Universal acclaim based on 131 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

The Painted Veil

Now Playing: The Painted Veil

Movie Details & Credits

Warner Independent Pictures (WIP) | Release Date: December 20, 2006 | PG-13

Starring: Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Naomi Watts

Summary: Based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham and set against the visually stunning backdrop of China during one of its most dramatic periods of upheaval, The Painted Veil tells a unique love story of an estranged husband and wife who find redemption and unexpected grace in a very unlikely place. [Warner Independent Pictures]

Director: John Curran

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 125 min

See All Details and Credits

Watch Now

Stream On

Buy on

Stream On

Expand

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

100

Mick LaSalle

The year's best romantic drama. Read full review

Claudia Puig

The Painted Veil is a welcome addition to the slate of holiday movies, particularly for those drawn to intriguing tales of multi-dimensional characters in exotic settings. Read full review

Peter Travers

The Painted Veil has the power and intimacy of a timeless love story. By all means, let it sweep you away. Read full review

David Edelstein

The movie makes for a good old-fashioned wide-screen wallow. Norton isn’t remotely credible, but Toby Jones is dandy as a sleazeball with a core of decency, and Watts is so open, so soulfully petulant, so transcendentally pretty, that even Maugham might reconsider the pleasures of the flesh. Read full review

Kirk Honeycutt

The film is unusual in that it is a co-production with the Chinese. Whatever difficulties this imposed on the Western filmmakers, the reward is a period film that feel authentic to its time and place. Read full review

Liam Lacey

The whole affair seems curiously bloodless and often more torpid than torrid. Read full review

Matthew Sorrento

Overall, Norton's effect and Watts' able portrayal are not enough to move the misogyny of the narrative. Read full review

SEE ALL 33 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

wendys

May 2, 2009

Incredible movie. One of the best I've seen. Beautiful imagery and moving stoy. I loved this one.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

JuliaB

Jul 28, 2007

Amazing, literally. Great acting from every actor and beautiful scenery with an actual REALISTIC romance.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Jehanzeb

Feb 11, 2009

Very touching story with good pace. beautiful sceneries, lush photography..excellent acting. The sceneries and emotions were given due time and regard. Slowliness was necessary to maintain quality. Must see phenomenon.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

PaulK.

Dec 13, 2006

Great film...Edward Norton, Naomi Watts, and Toby Jones all gave impeccable performances...the final scene wasn't the strongest way to end the film, but an ending nevertheless.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

DogeGamer2015

Aug 8, 2021

Es una película muy bien realizada; la trama es buena, la música es sublime y las actuaciones de Naomi Watts y Edward Norton son excelentes; muy recomendable.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Gayatree

May 24, 2013

A movie that captures you with its poignant imagery and characterizations. The performances are subtle, yet strong they are all believable in their characters. The quiet beauty of the story is somewhat undone by some elements of the ending, thus keeping it from fully realizing itsA movie that captures you with its poignant imagery and characterizations. The performances are subtle, yet strong they are all believable in their characters. The quiet beauty of the story is somewhat undone by some elements of the ending, thus keeping it from fully realizing its potential. However, that does not detract much from its overall appeal as a really well crafted romantic drama.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

csw12

May 28, 2013

The Painted Veil is an excruciating lengthy bore that doesn't have a minute that is worth acknowledging. The romance between the leads is so unconvincing it becomes worthless, similar to the rest of the film.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

SEE ALL 51 REVIEWS

89	#89 Most Discussed Movie of 2006
37	#37 Most Shared Movie of 2006