Before The Rains [DVD] [2008]

Product Details

• Actors: Linus Roache, Rahul Bose, Nandita Das, Jennifer Ehle, John Standing
• Directors: Santosh Sivan
• Format: PAL, Anamorphic, Widescreen, Dolby, Digital Sound
• Language English
• Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Number of discs: 1
• Classification: 12
• Studio: IN2FILM
• DVD Release Date: 12 April 2010
• Run Time: 98 minutes
  

By : Linus Roache (Actor), Rahul Bose (Actor), Santosh Sivan (Director)|Rated:Suitable for 12 years and over|Format: DVD
Price : £2.49

Customer Reviews

This must be one of the most beautiful films I have seen in ages and has become one of my top ten favourite films. The scenery is stunning and the story becomes a very visual journey almost intermingled with nature. It is set in the 1930's, when Britain is losing it's hold and popularity in India. British spice baron Henry Moores (Linus Roache) begins a passionate affair with his servant Sajani. When his wife and son arrive in India though, things become complicated. Don't want to spoil the story but there follows jealousy, death and atonement. The whole love affair and deception becomes intermingled with the resentment of the British in India, so it is quite thought provoking as regards the Raj and it's demise. Linus Roache gives a superb performance as a man who wants it all and doesn't foresee the consequences as everything spirals out of control and he stumbles from one disaster to another. Pacewise, it is similar to other Merchant Ivory films and is very like The Painted Veil another beautiful film. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but if you like a scenic film with a sprinkling of action and some depth to it, then you will enjoy this.

Having spent 7 years growing up in South India, I was still impressed with how beautiful Santosh Sivan made the hills look. The cinematography is really good and will make you want to visit that part of India.

The acting is on a whole also very good, with Rahul Bose putting in a solid performance, as usual. Each character is believable in their role.

Sadly, the storyline is predictable and therefore the films tends to drag because you can see what is going to happen before it actually does.

But there are really two ways to watch this film. One to just watch the surface story which, is predictable and a little staid. Or you could read between the lines and discuss the bigger picture - i.e. British Raj in India, morality, loyalty and so on.

A great film for a ladies night in, if you are willing to discuss the bigger picture. Definitely avoid if you are wanting a romantic evening!

Hope that helps.

 

Before The Rains [DVD] [2008]