Although I read the book about Mountbattan by David Butler, I am just a layman. Therefore, I cannot judge to what extent this movie is reflecting truthfully the period of India around 1947-1948 when the independence of the UK became of a fact. But I truly was entertained by each of the scenes. This movie must have cost a fortune, with the great number of people and animals, and the beautiful sceneries in India. All main characters are in my view excellent, in particular Janet Suzman as Edwina, the wife of Mountbattan, and Ian Richardson, as Nehru. The tensions among the Hindus and the Muslims, and the main reasons for these, I felt and understood at the same time. The rushing of the break-off and break-up of the country is also understandable, although it remains crazy to determine the exact borders at the latest stage. This independence period has parallels with the current situation in Afghanistan. By rushing out of a country, one can only expect huge migration flows, violence and chaos. At least in the short term.
