Noruwei no mori (Tran Anh Hung, 2010)

Film adaptations of novels are often criticised for taking liberties with the source texts. and overly simplifying them in particular. Norwegian Wood commits no such sin, for the simple reason that it sticks to Murakami's story like glue. This is not a wise move on two accounts: firstly, it doesn't really develop a cinematic life of its own, and secondly, Murakami's book may have been hugely popular but it's also not particularly good material for adaptation into a medium where internal monologues and memories aren't an option. The main character is a sap pining for a self-absorbed girl with severe mental issues while life passes him by, and the sentiments expressed are what you could expect, but not hope for, from immature 19-year-olds. That this is then drawn out to more than two hours in filmic form makes for a bit of a self-indulgent ordeal, albeit somewhat leavened by the sumptuous photography.

5/10