Watch A Passage to India

A Passage to India is a period drama film directed by David Lean, based on the novel of the same name by E.M. Forster. The film was released in 1984 and stars Judy Davis, Victor Banerjee, and Peggy Ashcroft in leading roles. Set in the early 20th century, the film tells the story of Adela Quested (Judy Davis), a young British woman who travels to India with her elderly companion, Mrs. Moore (Peggy Ashcroft). They visit Chandrapore, a small Indian town, where they meet Dr. Aziz Ahmed (Victor Banerjee), a Muslim physician who becomes the women's guide and friend.

At first, Adela is fascinated by India and the colorful culture and landscape. She is also drawn to Dr. Aziz and his passion for his homeland. However, their idyllic friendship is shattered when Adela accuses Dr. Aziz of attempting to assault her during a visit to the Marabar Caves. The accusation rocks the small town and ignites tensions between the British and Indian communities.

As the trial unfolds, other characters are drawn into the conflict. The British authorities, led by the magistrate Ronald Merrick (Nigel Havers), are determined to prove the guilt of the accused, while the Indians, represented by the lawyer Amritrao (Roshan Seth), seek to defend their fellow countryman. Meanwhile, Mrs. Moore, who has been traumatized by her own experiences in the caves, questions her own role in Adela's accusation.

The film is a powerful exploration of cultural misunderstandings, racial tensions, and the complexities of relationships between people of different backgrounds. It deals with themes of colonialism, identity, and the clash of cultures. The characters are complex, and their motivations and emotions are portrayed with subtlety and nuance.

Judy Davis delivers a standout performance as Adela, capturing the character's initial fascination with India and her subsequent confusion and disillusionment. Victor Banerjee is also excellent in the role of Dr. Aziz, conveying both his warmth and intelligence as well as his wounded pride and anger. Peggy Ashcroft is heartbreaking as Mrs. Moore, who struggles to make sense of the events that unfold around her.

The film's cinematography is also stunning, capturing the beauty and grandeur of the Indian landscape as well as the claustrophobia and menace of the Marabar Caves. The score, composed by Maurice Jarre, is haunting and evocative, adding to the film's eerie and tense atmosphere.

Overall, A Passage to India is a masterful film that explores complex themes in a deeply affecting and thought-provoking way. It is a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of colonialism and the need for understanding and empathy between people of all backgrounds.

A Passage to India is a 1984 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 78.