Awkward acting, a melodramatic love quadrangle, and a fairly naive apprehension of the "ancient culture" of India (and its alleged significance in teaching rootedness and patience to westerners) dragged this film down for me. Aside from a few lyrical passages, I found it underwhelming.
Gorgeous and poetic film. Obviously a Westerner's view of Indian culture, but to those who prefer Satyajit Ray's films to this, Ray's career began as an assistant to Renoir on this film, as did his longtime cinematographer's, Subrata Mitra.
Renoir's portrait of a 'nice' British family in 'exotic' India is a schoolbook example of orientalism. And the story is weak. If you want lyrical India watch Satyajit Ray's masterpieces. A low point from Renoir who brought us such brilliant movies in the 30's.
I was about ready to fail it and write an angry review at how much I disliked it. As the previous posters have said, it's visually pretty, but the rest is rather clunky. However, I think it was saved by the last 30 minutes or so. In the end, I gave it a borderline pass (6/10)
The 163rd best movie ever, TSPDT? Wow. Really nothing here but beautiful color and a nice look at '50s India. And every white person in the cast is wholly unappealing. And I know they weren't picked because of their acting skills.
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the3rdman
Awkward acting, a melodramatic love quadrangle, and a fairly naive apprehension of the "ancient culture" of India (and its alleged significance in teaching rootedness and patience to westerners) dragged this film down for me. Aside from a few lyrical passages, I found it underwhelming.jmars
Gorgeous and poetic film. Obviously a Westerner's view of Indian culture, but to those who prefer Satyajit Ray's films to this, Ray's career began as an assistant to Renoir on this film, as did his longtime cinematographer's, Subrata Mitra.Kenneth McMahon
Beautiful cinematography let down by poor acting and a not so great script. I recommend checking out the gorgeous dance sequence though.caley
Gorgeous cinematography, though the screenplay may descend a tad into melodrama. Still quite an achievement.Camille Deadpan
This was made in 1951? Incredible.idjutt
Renoir's portrait of a 'nice' British family in 'exotic' India is a schoolbook example of orientalism. And the story is weak. If you want lyrical India watch Satyajit Ray's masterpieces. A low point from Renoir who brought us such brilliant movies in the 30's.Kinchski
Visually the film is stunning, but it is let down by a clunky screenplay and some so-so performances. Still, worth a watch. 6/10Brantastic16
I was about ready to fail it and write an angry review at how much I disliked it. As the previous posters have said, it's visually pretty, but the rest is rather clunky. However, I think it was saved by the last 30 minutes or so. In the end, I gave it a borderline pass (6/10)Ebbywebby
The 163rd best movie ever, TSPDT? Wow. Really nothing here but beautiful color and a nice look at '50s India. And every white person in the cast is wholly unappealing. And I know they weren't picked because of their acting skills.