![Before The Rains [DVD] [2008]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61SVwrBiqcL.jpg)
Product Description Santosh Sivan directs this lavishly-filmed drama set in 1930s southern India against the backdrop of a growing nationalist movement. Linus Roache stars as Henry Moores, an English spice grower who begins an ill-advised affair with his beautiful Indian housemaid, Sajani (Nandita Das), while his wife, Laura (Jennifer Ehle), and young son are away in England. A tragic chain of events is set in motion when the affair is discovered. Rahul Bose co-stars as TK, an idealistic young villager who finds himself torn between his progressive visions for the future and his loyalty to past traditions as he witnesses events unfold. .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
S**N
A superbly told tragic story.
Different religions, beliefs, totally different cultures, different expectations. Or you could use the oldfashioned expression 'east is east and west is west and never the twain shall meet' But they do. There always has been an amazing fascination and this fascination has been the source of so many stories. This film is set in the year 1937 we are told and was filmed totally on location in Kerala. How beautiful is the scenery, red earth bright green tea plantations rolling hills a lovely waterfall well designed buildings. An absolutely beautiful setting for this desperately sad story. Linus Roache is an English man whose wife and son return to England leaving him living alone in the very attractive bungalow being looked after by a'native' servant. Nandita Das - an exceptionally beautiful woman and excellent actress. The inevitable happens. The liason is discovered - something which would have been of minor importance in English society but is totally disastrous in rural India. The consequences - the desperate importance and necessary actions needed to avenge what is a complete tragedy are acted out brilliantly. Superb acting, camera work - all in all everything worked beautifully creating an extremely memorable moving film.
M**M
Beautiful but sad
Like some of the other reviewers, I hadn't seen this film before I bought it and bought it on the back of the reviews I read here.This is a stunning film - both visually and story wise. It centres itself around the story of a young woman who has an affair with her boss, until it all goes sour. While this is the main focus, the story also draws on the political upheavals in India at that time in history. The story is desperately sad and there is nothing particularly redemptive about it - in other words, unlike most of these mass produced Hollywood movies that seem to have a 'fairytale' ending, there isn't a happy or neatly tied up ending. This is a realistic drama that doesn't spare your feelings and leave you satisfied that it's all OK in the end. Having said that, there is some satisfaction gained from the courage shown by the main male character TK.Highly recommended.
G**R
Fantastic Cinema
A rewarding experience for many reasons including the beautiful cinematography, actors, script, et al.The film is directed by long time cinematographer Santosh Sivan who worked from behind the camera, which is quite rare for a director but it shows in the breathtaking photography. His eye for detail and camera moves is perfect, but he also along with co-script writer Cathy Rabin, never goes for the cheap shot or obvious emotional triggers. The characters are allowed to be real and complex. It would be easy to say that Linus is the villain but it is done so well that the character shows the conflict he feels about his lover and best friend. This is adult cinema at its finest. I am surprised that the film didn't win more awards and lead to Santosh Sivan making a lot more films.
A**N
No draws!
Was expecting proper passionate love story not monsoon murder mystery in leafy India where Ken Barlow's son cheats on blond Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice with ever so versatile actress Nanita Das who kills herself over a wimpy English dude with no cajones, yes I meant draws. Been there love and he isn't worth it. Would have saved you a great deal of heart ache. Who would have known the real hero of the film was TK AKA Raul Bose (I think that was his name ). In summary was neither here nor there film! Beautiful landscape though.
J**O
Not as good as I thought
After just watching the 'jewel in the crown' box set, I was keen to watch a film in the same vein... Knowing it was a Merchant & Ivory film, I guess my expectations ran a little too high. For me the whole film was a bit disjointed and I found the storyline did not feel like it ran smoothly, but on saying that the scenery was beautiful - its not a film that drew me in and not one that I would rave about - but it was OK and I am glad I did watch it even though it left me on the disappointed side.
M**R
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!!!! , would have made a fantastic story, but it was so lacking. It could have shown alot more about the culture but only hits on it a little bit. There could be so much more to this story, it is even lacking in the passion as well. The acting was fairly good, but for me it was a little disappointing just an ok film. Fortunaltly it was a cheap copy and so not lost out too much.
C**S
Not a good video recording
Poor lighting and sound reproduction spoiled what could have been a good account of life for folks starting a new and adventurous life.
M**N
'British Empire' abuse of power. White middle class rules of entitlement.
This film depicts the British 'Empire's' rule over India and the inequalities and abuse of power that has been evident for years. It also highlights male dominance, deceit and narcissistic behaviour.
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