Jasminum

Jasminum is a beautifully crafted film and a pleasure to watch. The relaxing pace of the movie is reminiscent of the pace of life within the monastery in which it takes place. A sense of mystery and a genuine fondness for the characters, particularly Brother Salinas and the young Genie, make this movie interesting to watch. With the exception of a few scenes, the majority of the movie takes place in a small monastery, but the mystery surrounding the monastery as well as the actions of its inhabitants keep the viewer compelled throughout.

Besides the prior Kleophas and the cook Salinas, there are three other monks in the monastery- Birdcherry, Plum and Sweetcherry- who are sequestered and silent. These three produce extremely desirable body odors, which Fr. Kleophas and the surrounding community regard as a miracle. The initial scene of the movie depicts the reception of the monks' dead bodies into the monastery -- five hundred years ago. This, along with Fr. Kleophas' belief in the coming fulfillment of a prophecy made by the apostle Barnabas, and the repeated appearance of a ghost around the monastery grounds, adds to the sense of mystery that keeps the audience captivated. Kleophas believes that the three odiferous monks are on their way to sainthood, a status that requires the performance of a miracle, but are their miracles for real? Are the brothers somehow reincarnations of their 16th century namesakes? What is the significance of the prophecy, and what secrets does the monastery hold? The issue of science versus faith is an important theme in the movie. The chemist and art restorator Natasha is working to restore a painting that Fr. Kleophas believed would be restored by a miracle, and is able to accomplish what no miracle had. In this sense, science is victorious, but Fr. Kleophas wonders what good a chemically restored painting is. Only a painting restored by a miracle would truly enhance the prayers of the faithful. Natasha seeks also to reproduce the scents of the brothers chemically. Her first attempt recreates Birdcherry's scent, but something is missing and the perfume is a failure. Eventually, she finds the missing ingredient Jasmine, which when mixed with Birdcherry's scent produces an odor Natasha calls "oblivion." The hairdresser Patricia then uses this scent to seduce the object of her affection. However, the seduced man cannot figure out why he is in love; he only recognizes an obsession that seems to be driving him mad, which leads to another theme of the movie: the search for happiness. Patricia believes that possession of Birdcherry's scent will lead to her happiness, because it will cause the actor to fall in love with her, but in reality he is only in love with the scent itself, which will eventually fade or run out. This raises the question of whether one really knows what one wants. Does the actor really want Patricia, or does he want her smell? Does Patricia really want the actor, of whom she knows very little, or does she want merely to be desired? Meanwhile the relationship between Sanitas and Genie exemplifies a healthier type of love, a caring reciprocating relationship where each member cares for the well being of the other.

The theme of science versus faith is a very timely one, particularly in Poland. Perhaps no other country besides Ireland stands out so much as the Church's last European stronghold of the faithful. Science is a wonderful and even miraculous thing, but faith is mysterious. As rational human beings, we are inclined to accept that which can be explained to us, but faith is required because we can never completely understand the deepest, most personal mysteries of the human experience. Jasminum was very interesting and thought provoking, and anyone interested in the themes of faith and happiness will find it very enjoyable.

Well....to be honest I am a huge fan of Masters Gayos and Peczka so their participation was the main force that made me to get JASMINUM and my God! the movie is AMAZING! From the beginning to the end...I was embraced by a cascade of colors, sounds and scents...yes - SCENTS for as one of previous reviewers said - You can literally FEEL the scent of the mysterious fragrances! I'd compare my impressions to those I got after watching "Amelie Poulain". Sound - amazing Picture - incredible Actors - superb! Without a doubt I can predict a bright future to Polish cinematography if there would be more that one of a kind (IMO - so far) movie I am talking about!

If you are looking for something different, if you are tired to the all like Hollywood "matrix" movies - JASMINUM is the very right answer!

'Jasminum' is a sweet and beautiful film about love, caring, smell, acceptance…hang on, it's not a romantic film. It's certainly not one of those conventional boy meets girls films. There are flying ducklings, sweating ghosts, and slices of bread that are either too thin or two thick. A fellow user has compared it to 'Chocolat' but 'Jasminum' is a lot more ambiguous and a far better film. The film is about acting upon ones loving feelings toward another person. In 'Jasminum' we are presented with three love stories. That of Patrizia and the Comedian, that of Jasminum and that of Natasza. All the broken love stories are treated with some humour without ruining the essence. We also see a love that builds between two unusual friends like that between the little Genia and Brother Sanitas and this two becomes a somewhat sad love story when Genia has to leave. Kolski's direction stands out as one can see how much heart he's put in the film-making process The cinematography takes us through the spectacular Polish landscape. The background score provides pleasant company and the set designs and special effects are very impressive. The child's voice-over gives it a fairytale feel and adds to the humour (e.g. during the sex scene, we here the child's voice saying 'I am not allowed to say what happened…) and it also appropriately narrates the story from a very objective point of view. The monastery itself provides an open atmosphere that reflects the loneliness of the characters.

Kolski also cleverly introduces (in a magical way) the idea of one of the five human senses: smell. In 'Jasminum' we are reminded of how important the sense of smell is and what significant role it has in the interaction of two people. Here in 'Jasminum' it the 'right smell' is the answer to the mystery. The character Natasza uses creates these magical smell through her perfume and uses them to heal the broken love stories. Note the love is there.

However, I thought Kolski could have shown more development between Patrizia and her actor lover. It looks as though the relationship was based on sex. Even though I do think that Kolski was merely trying to show something otherwise, a different attitude towards love, it remains for the viewer to assume and makes the film a little weak.

The performances, particularly by Blecka-Kolska, Gasiewska and Zdrówko are standouts. Blecka-Kolska's subtle expressions are noteworthy and Zdròwko's portrayal of the slow transition that takes place in Sanitas is sublime. It is Sanitas who values his relationship with all the small things (e.g. Genia and the little duckling). Gasiewska is absolutely cute (without trying to be so) and she brings out the innocence with Genia through her chemistry with Zdrówko.

In a few words, 'Jasminum' is sweet charming aromatic gem that is both a visual treat and a very pleasant viewing experience.

It is doubtless thing - you will enjoy that movie much much more if you're Polish. It's obviously not as hermetic as i.e. "Mis", "Sexmisja", but you have to know/feel what's about countryside of Poland nowadays. Anyway, if you are familiar with "magical realism" (either "Chocolate" and "One Hundred Years of Solitude") then you will find yourself extremely happy. I did. And those fragrances.. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer will maybe hit the blockbuster, but I will still feel Yasminum... There are other Kolski's pictures, some of them I remember pretty well ("Jancio Wodnik", "Szabla dla komendanta") - Yasminum is their rightful successor.

Kolski at his finest! it truly is a beautiful and heart warming story. I strongly recommend watching it to all you people who enjoy good stories, beautiful scenery and amazing light. Great Polish actors and of course- the little girl who, in my opinion, did a very good job-so natural and so cute! Grazyna Kolska, Janusz Gajos, Adam Ferency, Boguslaw Linda. If you know and respect them, you won't be disappointed, I guarantee. The title is Jasminum and you can almost smell all the fragrances throughout the whole movie.I went to see the movie with my girlfriend, not actually knowing the plot line or anything and we were both speechless after the show. Go see it, even if you are not Polish-this is just a truly beautiful picture.