Sorry, this movie sucks

Admirable film.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

It is an exhilarating, distressing, funny and profound film, with one of the more memorable film scores in years,

Released in 1985 and directed by David Lean from E.M. Forster's novel, "A Passage to India" is a historical drama/adventure about a young English woman, Adela Quested (Judy Davis), who experiences culture shock when she travels to India circa 1920 to possibly marry her betrothed, a British magistrate (Nigel Havers). Her companion for the sojourn is his mother (Peggy Ashcroft). With a kindly Indian, Dr. Aziz (Victor Banerjee), they take an excursion to the mysterious Marabar Caves. But something strange happens at the caves and Aziz' world is turned upside down when Adela accuses him of a crime. James Fox plays Aziz' English friend while Alec Guinness is on hand as an Indian sage. This was David Lean's last film and, as far as I'm concerned, it's as great as his other films, like "A Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957), "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) and "Doctor Zhivago" (1965). To appreciate it you have to favor his epic, realistic, not-everything-spelled-out style. The movie's about the clash of British arrogance & Victorian propriety with a fascinatingly alien and more wild Indian culture. It's thematically similar to 1993's "Sirens," highlighted by Davis' stunning lead performance and only hampered by Guinness' miscasting as an Indian (but that's a minor cavil). The film runs 164 minutes and was shot in India. GRADE: A-***SPOILER ALERT*** (Don't read further unless you've seen the movie)The movie goes out of its way to show that Aziz is innocent of attempted rape without spelling it out. So what happened to Adela in the caves? She suffered a panic attack due to culture shock and the mounting apprehension of marrying a prim & proper coldfish she doesn't love. The scratches she suffers are from the cacti she runs into while fleeing the caves. Aziz was her subconscious scapegoat. But, give her credit, she was able to resist immense social pressure, realize the truth, and boldly declare it, despite the negative social ramifications.

It's been quite some time since I've seen this film but finally got it out for another look. The word I can best use to describe it is "Splendid" Considering it was made in 1984, it's really hard to believe. The setting, costumes, and style of speaking really has you believing this film was shot in the 1930s or 40's. But that is the style of David Lean. From the story line, direction, and style of filming, this is definitely a David Lean film. A lot of people may not like it because of it's old fashioned style, but it is indeed a splendid film. No bombs, no special effects, no dismembered limbs, just a story told on film. Splendid.!

Rewatching A Passage to India after a few years, it is not one of my favourite David Lean films like Lawrence of Arabia, Great Expectations, Bridge on the River Kwai, Brief Encounter and Oliver Twist are, but for a swansong of a great director (one of my personal favourites actually) it's a very good one, but I do remember liking it more on first watch.A Passage to India is not perfect, it ends anti-climactically and parts feel overlong and stretched with some drifting storytelling. This is also a rare case where the normally great Alec Guiness felt wasted and miscast, he never convinces in his very underwritten role and the performance is filled with uncharacteristically over-stated mannerisms.However, Lean directs superbly and the film is lavishly made with typically luscious cinematography, lavish period detail and some of the most gorgeously evocative scenery of any Lean film (in a filmography of films filled with gorgeous scenery). Maurice Jarre's music score has been criticised for being an ill-fit, for me while lacking the Indian flavour and a tad too jaunty in the credits it is sumptuously scored, soaringly epic, sounds glorious and evokes a lot of emotion. The script is literate and very beautifully written, capturing the essence of Forster's writing while not feeling overly wordy or heavy, while the story is rich in atmosphere and explores the important themes of colonialism, relationships between cultures and the British Empire and its imperialism in a subtle but powerful way.The film has been criticised for its pacing, and while there are a few draggy moments due to a few scenes feeling too stretched the main reason for the deliberate pacing was most likely for the viewer to soak up the setting and its atmosphere, A Passage to India does this brilliantly (and this is true for Lean's work in general as well). The part covering the trial is mostly fantastic but could have been longer, and the characters and their interactions are fascinating and well-realised. The acting is truly excellent, Peggy Ashcroft rightfully won an Oscar for her divine performance (especially in the temple scene) and Judy Davis is every bit her equal in a difficult but impulsively and movingly played performance. James Fox is remarkably thoughtful and sympathetic in his role, and Victor Banerjee gives his caricature role a real expressivity.Overall, a very good swansong from Lean and a very good film. 7.5/10 Bethany Cox

Beautifully filmed, David Lean's 'A Passage to India' adapted from E.M. Forster's novel is a visually splendid. The visuals themselves are quite simplistic and yet the way they are portrayed is remarkable. It excellently captures the enigma and raw beauty of the Indian landscape which is exactly how Adela and Mrs. Moore see it.'A Passage to India' quite epic. Yet, it doesn't look like any other typical Hollywood epic feature and I think that's mainly due to Lean's effective and efficient use of his tools. It's as if the country itself is enough to make it look epic. It is this mysterious country that seduces Adela and drives her over the edge. Lean uses plenty of silence. While much of the dialogue is brilliantly written, it is the quieter moments and glimpses between the words that stand out.Peggy Ashcroft, Judy Davis, James Fox and Victor Bannerjee are outstanding as they deliver sincere and subtle performances. Even tough there have been complaints about the film's length, I thought the editing was great and I liked that Lean took his time rather than rush in telling the story. The score is minimally used. Lighting is terrific and sound is very good.In the end, 'A Passage to India' is exotic and sensual without the need to show a skin or sex, poetic without words and haunting without the usual thriller ingredients.