A passionate first love tom by leukemia, and a man who struggles to keep a 17-year-old promise. Following his hugely successful film Crying out Love in the Center of the World which celebrated the purity of an old-fashioned love, Isao Yukisada brings to us another tragic love story. Set in the period of the Meiji Restoration, the film revolves around Kiyoaki and Satoko, both from noble families. Growing up together as best friends, Satoko gradually realizes her love for Kiyoaki and brings up the courage to show her feelings for him, however, the young-blooded Kiyoaki refuses to be chained up by love, breaking her heart with cold and cynical words. As the devastated Satoko agrees to marry the prince, as her parents have arranged, Kiyoaki finally realizes his love for Satoko, which forces them to stand against their parents and even royalty. Their fatal passion, lurking beneath the beautifully restrained images, eventually becomes tragic yet immortal. Spring Snow cannot be farther from originality, but if you wish to purify tainted love and, moreover, have ever dreamed of a first kiss in a coach on a snowy evening, then this film is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. (Michelle Sohn)