The Bengali Night

`The Bengali Night" released in '88 is based on the novel `La nuit bengali' written by Mircea Eliade, one of the most respected experts in religion and sociology of the 20th century. Based on a true story `The Bengali Night' is a masterpiece of existential storytelling; intelligent, articulate and highly mystical. You can almost see the genius mind of Eliade at work. The film succeeds in capturing all the Occidental, existential angst of Beckett and Sartre while adding a high degree of Indian mysticism thus bringing a texture and flavor to the story. It's absolutely intoxicating. The dialogue is so profound that you'll find yourself backing up the disc now and then to hear the imparted words of wisdom again. Add to this wonderful script the exotic urban landscape of India and a near hypnotic soundtrack, you'll find yourself lost in a world of images you'll want to revisit often. This is truly a hidden cinematic gem waiting to be discovered by "All the lost sheep who wander through this world." The only flaw is the DVD itself. The picture is somewhat grainy and spotted, it's definitely in need of a remastering. Strong performances by Hugh Grant and John Hurt, but the true stars in this film are the two Indian beauties Supriya Pathak as Gayatri and Shabana Azmi as Indira Sen.

fascinating film especially because I met and knew Maitraye Devi personally through many years and she had mentioned to me that she had had a disappointment in her love life - now I know which . She also gave me her book It will never die

I thought this must be okay if Hugh Grant is in it, but I was wrong. The quality of this film is comparable to a bootleg copy recorded by someone in the audience. Seriously? Amazon should not charge to watch this movie. The Bengali scenery was interesting but due to the quality of the video the family begged me to put on something else, so after 30 minutes I did. As such I'll refrain from commenting on the plot (which had not yet emerged).

I was so excited in anticipation of seeing this movie! Mircea Eliade's novel is one of the best I have ever read, so I was expecting the same of the movie. Regrettably the movie was awful! ... like a beginner's highschool filming project: weak script, uninspired acting. The only interesting part was the story of making the movie which was included on the DVD.

If you want a look at life in India, way back when. this movie supplies that. As far as entertainment goes, it's just so-so.

"The Bengali Night" is a very subtle and beautiful film, where Indian culture has the leading role even if Hugh Grant and John Hurt are both excellent. As the film begins, we are introduced to the world of those expatriates living in India, although there are some, like Hugh Grant's character, Allan, who refuse to absorb this very strong and powerful culture. Allan is an engineer who builds bridges and paves roads with his young European mentality. Yet, there are others like Hurt's character, who instead, embrace the culture to the point that they fall into it; become obsessed by it. So, when Allan becomes ill and is invited to stay at the home of his employer, he dives head first, leaving behind his European past, including friends and a girlfriend. It's not too difficult for him to then fall in love with the boss' daughter, Gayatri, who is beautiful, charming, and the perfect "guide" for Allan. However, passion in India between a white man and an Indian woman is not something that is tolerated, and our two lovers are not prepared for the consequences. The film is held together by a wonderful cast, which includes the great Shabana Azmi, one of Indian cinema's greatest stars, along with other actors of Satyajit Ray's team. It was Hugh Grant's first starring role, and his youth and naivety makes his character ever more endearing. Based on a true story between the philosopher Mircea Eliade and Maytrei Davi, who became one of the most important poets of Bengal, the film wraps us up in the flavor and magic of India, and refuses to let go. A beautiful and very powerful film. Phil Ed.

This movie was ok as it did not really capture my attention. I was hoping by the cover that it would be more up to date as it didn't show the release year, but it looks like this film is older.

Horrible, one of the worst movies ever. Plot line is stupid, quality is poor, description is misleading. I rented this movie because it starred Hugh Grant, even Hugh couldn't save it. If I could give it 0 stars I would. Don't waste your money.

Everything great. Thank you

What a great Bengali Nights novel is, what a poor poor film version - bad acting, bad script, bad photography - terrible film making

Mediocrity in its highest level. The western population as they perceive us is not as stupid as they think we are.