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Amazon.co.uk Review
Set in India’s colonial past, circa 1930, Before the Rains is a period drama exploring how imbalanced socio-economic landscapes negatively affect the personal lives of those seeking to function in corrupt systems. Director Santosh Sivan’s intricate love story begins as a passion play and quickly unravels into a crime scene which has the entire police force searching for an innocent victim. Set mostly on British spice planter Henry Moores’ (Linus Roache) plantation, the viewer learns from the outset of his affair with servant Sajani (Nandita Das). Sajani’s marriage to an despicable Indian villager spells danger, though it’s not until Henry’s wife, Laura (Jennifer Ehle) comes to visit that one discovers how the infidelity destroys the lives of both participants. Worst off is Henry’s other servant, T.K. Neelan (Rahul Bose), torn as witness between covering for his employer and helping his vulnerable female neighbor. Though it is easy to sympathize with Sajani, Before the Rains does well to show Moores as a character worthy enough of redemption, as he constantly checks his moral temperature and is nearly undone by guilt. Charles Humphries (John Standing), Moores’ boss heading up plans to build a road into the village for increased production, serves as the capitalist swine, coloring Moores less oblivious to the Indian position. Aside from being a tale about the high cost of colonial endeavors, Before the Rains is a human tale of how love can be confused by what is foreign or forbidden. --Trinie Dalton
Review
As beautifully shot as The Terrorist ... lovely --Evening Standard
A simple but effective film ... beautifully photographed by Santosh Sivan --Mail on Sunday
A tense blend of passion and politics that burrows deep under your sking --Marie Claire
A simple but effective film ... beautifully photographed by Santosh Sivan --Mail on Sunday
A tense blend of passion and politics that burrows deep under your sking --Marie Claire
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
152 of 153 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
67 of 68 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I knew nothing about 'Before the Rains' before I saw it and wasn't expecting much given the fairly mixed reviews it's garnered. Have I just watched the same film? Because this is nothing short of brilliant. The photography is stunning, the acting is superb, the direction is faultless, and the story had me absolutely gripped from start to finish. This is a wholly believable tragedy which slowly and carefully builds from a languidly beautiful love story into a broodingly menacing thriller as the characters grapple with the consequences their actions. And, like all great films, the direction and acting are so good that you quickly start believing these people are real and, as a result, genuinely care about what happens to them.
One scene in particular sums up just how good it is: the wife confronts the husband and, as the impact of what's going on dawns on her, the focus in the shot subtly switches from his face to hers with no camera movement. Nothing much in that you might say but it made the hairs on my neck stand on end precisely because it captures, simply in the nuance of her expression and the way that it's drawn into focus, the horror that she would feel at that precise moment... cinema doesn't get much better. Quite simply one of the best films I've seen.
One scene in particular sums up just how good it is: the wife confronts the husband and, as the impact of what's going on dawns on her, the focus in the shot subtly switches from his face to hers with no camera movement. Nothing much in that you might say but it made the hairs on my neck stand on end precisely because it captures, simply in the nuance of her expression and the way that it's drawn into focus, the horror that she would feel at that precise moment... cinema doesn't get much better. Quite simply one of the best films I've seen.
40 of 42 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Disappointing
Maybe I had high expectations given how many people rate "Before the Rains" highly. Unfortunately, having watched it, I (and my wife) found it really disappointing. Read more
Published 10 days ago by J. S. Hardman
Disappointing
Disappointed in this dvd. Had recently returned from our third visit to Kerala and although some of the colour and atmosphere was portrayed in the film, the music sounded as if it... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. Sandy Elliott
Before the rains
sorry but I have not had a chance to watch this dvd yet - it is still in its wrappings.
Published 3 months ago by Mairi
before the rains
very good film , very beautiful scenery , well worth the money i spent , very good story line , would watch it again . Read more
Published 4 months ago by sara joanna cairns
Romance DVD's
A movie well worth watching, it has a story which has an ending and portrays what Indian life was like at the time. Well worth the money spent.
Published 6 months ago by Robin Croll
Scenic Drama
I thoroughly enjoyed this film and the location scenery is magnificient. The story line is very true to the Indian culture and well portrayed. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Jazz
Before the rains
When I saw this title, though I hadnt heard of it before, I thought this could be a good love story, no it isnt, not really, the potential it could have had!!!! Read more
Published 10 months ago by Mrs. C. A. Goodyear
Smoulder to Moulder
The on-screen chemistry and passion at the begining
decends into a sad negativity
decends into a sad negativity
Published 10 months ago by Bombalone
Nice film
At first I was going to give it four stars but my wife liked it less than me and I think she's right when she says it leaves too much to question at the end. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Tim H
Great
What a brilliant film!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it...won't spoil it for the readers but see it and make your own mind up.
Published 13 months ago by seeta55
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