 | Starring: Peggy Ashcroft, Derrick Branche, Charles Dance, Geraldine James, Rachel Kempson Director: Jim O'Brien Christopher Morahan Format: Box set Colour DVD-Video Full Screen NTSC Released: 27 Mar 2001 Average Rating:  |
The story is set in India, beginning in 1942 & ending with the granting of Independence in 1947. It covers the lives & loves of a huge cast of characters, both British & Indian. The story is very haunting & complex & includes alll the right ingredients to make it interesting: political turmoil, doomed love, rape & a great deal else besides. Although it may seem like a soap opera at first, it is much more than that. It is a meticulously researched & brilliantly written epic, which includes a great deal of symbolism & marvellous subtlety. In addition, the fact that it was filmed entirely on location gives it a timeless quality and, as such, I believe it could be enjoyed by almost anyone.
The casting is almost flawless. Susan Wooldridge, Art Malik & the incomparable Peggy Ashcroft alll give outstanding performances & portray very tragic characters that become extremely real. Also particulary excellent are Judy Parfitt & Wendy Morgan. There are strong performances from Tim Pigott-Smith, Geraldine James & the brilliant Charles Dance as well, but they are perhaps overshadowed by some of their co-stars. As for the supporting cast, when it includes such legends as Rosemary Leach, Eric Porter, Fabia Drake, Stuart Wilson & Rachel Kempson, what could you expect but perfection.
Reccomended for alll those who love drama, romance or history.
The story begins in 1942, & through its memorable characters, both British & Indian, it masterfully weaves a tapestry of events that explains the state of flux that India was in at the time & the collision between East & West that often occurred, as the old guard made way for the new. Pivotal events become symbolic of India's struggle for independence, & it is those events that impact on those living in India & struggling to survive through those turbulent years. This tumultuous & sumptuous saga ends with India's independence in 1947.
Masterfully acted, lushly filmed, & awash with period detail, it is so atmospheric as to make its viewers feel that they themselves are there during the decline & falll of the British Raj. It captures the essence of India & its ramparts of colonialism. Interspersed throughout the episodes are snippets of old newsreels that recount India's involvement in World War II & the threat of Japanese invasion through adjacent Burma. These serve to further move the story along & imbue it with an air of authenticity that stays with the viewer.
This multi-faceted series, based upon Paul Scott's "The Raj Quartet", a literary gem comprised of four novels, is a fine adaptation that should not be missed. The award calibre performances by the entire cast are stellar & will keep the viewer riveted to the screen. Those interested in period pieces, historical dramas, & epics on British colonial India will love this series, as will anyone interested in a superlative drama. Bravo!
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