The Painted Veil

The Painted Veil

Year: 2006

Runtime: 125 min

Language: English

Director: John Curran

DramaRomance

In 1920s China, a woman finds herself in a stagnant marriage and is tempted by a passionate affair. When a deadly cholera epidemic sweeps through the region, she accompanies her husband on a dangerous mission to provide aid. During this challenging experience, she confronts her past choices and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately finding unexpected strength and a chance for personal redemption amidst the vibrant and often harsh realities of a foreign culture.

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Timeline – The Painted Veil (2006)

Trace every key event in The Painted Veil (2006) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Kitty Meets Walter

Kitty Garstin, a lively socialite, meets Walter Fane, a socially awkward bacteriologist, at a party in London. Despite his shy demeanor, Kitty’s mother persuades her to marry him, leading to a loveless union.

London
2

Honeymoon in Venice

After their marriage, Kitty and Walter honeymoon in the romantic city of Venice. However, the idyllic setting does little to improve their strained relationship.

Venice
3

Moving to Shanghai

The couple relocates to Shanghai, where Walter works at a government lab studying infectious diseases. Kitty finds it difficult to adapt to her new life and begins feeling isolated.

Shanghai
4

Kitty's Affair with Townsend

In Shanghai, Kitty meets Charles Townsend, a married British vice consul, and they start a secret affair. This relationship serves as an escape for Kitty from her unhappy marriage.

Shanghai
5

Walter Discovers Infidelity

Walter learns of Kitty's infidelity with Townsend, which leads to a confrontation. In a bid to punish her, he threatens to divorce her on grounds of adultery unless she accompanies him to rural China.

Shanghai
6

Journey to Mei-tan-fu

Forced to travel together, Walter and Kitty embark on a grueling two-week overland journey to the remote village of Mei-tan-fu. Walter's intention is to make the trip as uncomfortable as possible for Kitty.

Route to Mei-tan-fu
7

Arrival in Mei-tan-fu

The couple arrives in Mei-tan-fu, where Kitty is shocked to find they will live in dire conditions. The village is isolated, and their only neighbor is Waddington, a British commissioner with a Chinese partner.

Mei-tan-fu
8

Kitty Volunteering

Feeling lonely and discontent, Kitty volunteers at an orphanage run by French nuns. This experience opens her eyes to Walter's compassionate side, as she learns he loves children.

Mei-tan-fu
9

Marriage Begins to Heal

As Walter and Kitty spend more time apart, their resentment begins to fade. They start to rediscover each other, and their marriage begins to rekindle with newfound affection.

Mei-tan-fu
10

Kitty's Pregnancy

Kitty discovers she is pregnant but is troubled by uncertainty about the child's father. Walter reassures her that it doesn't matter, emphasizing his renewed love for her.

Mei-tan-fu
11

Cholera Outbreak

As the cholera outbreak comes under control, refugees arrive, overwhelming local resources. Walter sets up a camp to help, fully committing himself to the crisis.

Mei-tan-fu
12

Walter Contracts Cholera

Walter contracts cholera while treating patients, and Kitty steps up to nurse him back to health. Tragically, despite her efforts, he succumbs to the disease, leaving her heartbroken.

Mei-tan-fu
13

Kitty in London Years Later

Five years after Walter's death, Kitty is in London shopping with her young son. She unexpectedly encounters Townsend, who hints at rekindling their past relationship.

London
14

Rejection of Townsend

Upon meeting Townsend, Kitty quickly realizes the implications of their past. Despite his advances, she firmly rejects him, choosing to walk away without looking back.

London
15

A New Start

As they walk away, her son asks about Townsend, and Kitty imparts that he is 'No one important.' This moment signifies her closure and readiness for a new chapter in life.

London

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

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The Painted Veil Summary

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The Painted Veil Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Painted Veil

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