The Journey

I just happened to catch this on the IFC. What a lucky catch. I can't believe that this movie has not been given wider distribution and commentary, since it is excellent. The cultural differences so warmly observed here between the Indian and modern American help us to a better understanding of both, and perhaps to a better understanding of ourselves.

This is not a flashy movie, but one that draws you in with its careful editing. There are simple moments of great beauty as when the father tells the story of a poem sung by a circle of Japanese visitors to an art museum, or the recitation of a short poem relevant to the story.

I had never seen any of these actors before, but they are uniformly up to the task, all turning in highly believable performances.

And the Indian music carries you along. I definitely came to a greater appreciation of Indian music from having seen this film. There is a scene where an older Indian listens to the music and, without saying a word, shows you how deeply affecting it can be.