Listening is a poignant, thoughtful and very beautiful little film, superbly acted by Paul McGann and Frances Barber, and gracefully directed by Kenneth Branagh. Branagh demonstrates how emotions are intensified and quickened in the absence of words, in a story about a man and woman who meet during a silent retreat. It's an original look at how words limit us, but also at missed opportunities for love and communication, with or without them. The photography is gorgeous, and the music very effective at heightening emotion.
