Underneath its frothy 40's dialogue and old fashioned manners lies a seething mass of sexual tension symbolized by the natural elements within the film. The sea, the wind, animals and magic are all used to turn a traditional romance into something far more intriguing. Animals are regularly seen in human situations, dogs are found in armchairs and an eagle gouges a fox in a sitting room. The weather constantly interferes with communication the whole story is a journey halted by weather, even the one telephone in the village is positioned next to a deafening waterfall. For many reasons its a natural precursor to Black Narcissus and its wild howling wind reflecting female sexual frustration.
A really beautiful and individual film.
A really beautiful and individual film.