Watch Autobiography of a Princess

Autobiography of a Princess is a 1975 film directed by James Ivory and written by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. The movie stars James Mason, Madhur Jaffrey, and Keith Varnier in leading roles. The story follows an Indian princess named Rama Devi, portrayed by Jaffrey, who has lived in England for a long time. Her father was the last Maharaja of a small province in India, and after his death, Rama has been living alone in her large mansion, surrounded by her memories of India and her family.

One day, an acquaintance of her father, played by James Mason, comes to her house to interview her for a documentary. The two of them have a long conversation about India, the colonial past, and their personal lives. As they talk, the audience is taken on a journey through Rama's personal history and experiences.

Through flashbacks, we see the young Rama, and how she experienced the end of the British Raj and the independence of India. Her family's wealth, traditions, and status were all lost under the new government, and Rama was forced to adapt to a new way of life. She becomes an actress in British theater and marries a British man, played by Keith Varnier.

As Rama's story unfolds, we learn about the complex relationship between India and England, colonialism, and cultural identity. The movie touches on topics like arranged marriages, the caste system, the Indian independence movement, and the impact of colonialism on Indian society.

The film's atmosphere is contemplative and introspective, with long shots of Rama's house and its surroundings. The dialogues between Mason and Jaffrey are sincere and insightful, as the two actors share their opinions on different matters.

The movie is a meditation on memory, identity, and legacy. The story shows how our past experiences shape us and how we can preserve the memory of our cultural heritage. The characters in the film struggle with their personal history and their cultural belonging. As Rama puts it, "We are all related to each other by the bad things that happened in the past."

Autobiography of a Princess is not a fast-paced movie or a typical Hollywood production. It is a slow-burning drama that relies on its characters and their stories to engage the audience. The movie is beautifully shot, with colorful Indian backdrops and striking costumes.

The film is also a testament to the talent of Madhur Jaffrey, who gives a stunning performance as Rama. Her portrayal of the proud, yet vulnerable, princess is convincing and relatable. Jaffrey manages to convey the complex emotions and conflicting feelings of a woman who has lost everything she held dear.

Overall, Autobiography of a Princess is an excellent film that deserves more attention. It is a thought-provoking drama that offers a glimpse into the lives of those who have been affected by the British rule in India. The movie is a reminder that our past is always with us, and that we should never forget where we come from.

Autobiography of a Princess is a 1975 drama with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.