A Passage to India Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A British woman goes to India, has a bad cave experience, blames an innocent doctor, and everyone has a lot of feelings about British colonialism.

🍿 A Passage to India: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival in India and Cultural Clash

In the 1920s, Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore arrive in British India to visit Adela’s fiancé, Ronny Heaslop, a city magistrate. They are disappointed by the rigid social barriers between the British and Indian communities. The British colonials display a condescending and racist attitude towards the native population, frustrating Adela and Mrs. Moore’s desire to experience the ‘real’ India.

Seeking Connection and the Marabar Caves

Seeking genuine connection, Adela and Mrs. Moore find a kindred spirit in Richard Fielding, a schoolmaster who introduces them to Indian intellectuals, including Dr. Aziz Ahmed. Dr. Aziz, eager to impress, arranges an excursion to the Marabar Caves, despite his limited financial resources. The trip becomes a turning point, setting in motion events that threaten to shatter the fragile bridge between the British and Indian communities.

The Incident at the Caves and its Aftermath

During the visit to the caves, something occurs that leads Adela to flee in distress. She accuses Dr. Aziz of attempted assault, sparking a legal and social crisis. The accusation ignites racial tensions, dividing the British and Indian communities and threatening Dr. Aziz’s life and reputation. The ensuing trial becomes a battleground for cultural and political ideologies.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Adela Quested (Judy Davis): A young Englishwoman who travels to India to assess a potential marriage, but finds herself at the center of a cultural and personal crisis.
• Dr. Aziz Ahmed (Victor Banerjee): A kind Indian doctor who seeks friendship with the British, but becomes a victim of racial prejudice and false accusations.
• Mrs. Moore (Peggy Ashcroft): An empathetic Englishwoman who accompanies Adela to India and befriends Dr. Aziz, challenging the rigid social barriers.
• Richard Fielding (James Fox): A liberal-minded English schoolmaster who values justice and friendship, standing by Dr. Aziz despite societal pressure.
• Professor Godbole (Alec Guinness): An eccentric Indian Brahmin scholar who offers a philosophical perspective on the events unfolding between the British and Indians.
• Ronny Heaslop (Nigel Havers): An English magistrate and Adela’s fiancé, embodying the rigid and prejudiced attitudes of the British colonial rule.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mrs. Moore: “My dear, life rarely gives us what we want at the moment we consider appropriate. Adventures do occur, but not punctually.” – Mrs. Moore reflects on the unpredictable nature of experiences and expectations during their journey in India.
• Ronny Heaslop: “We’re not in India to be pleasant. We’re here to do justice.” – Ronny expresses his rigid, duty-focused perspective on British rule in India, devoid of personal connection.
• Dr. Aziz: “Then you’ll be patient for my sake? It is hard to explain India.” – Aziz pleads with Fielding to understand the complexities and nuances of Indian culture amidst misunderstandings.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $27,187,653
• Worldwide Gross: $27,201,487

💥 A Passage to India Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie and just being captivated by the scenery. The whole movie had this mystical dream like quality. The casting was perfect, although I felt that Alec Guinness was a bit out of place. What I liked the most was that it made me feel like I was actually transported to colonial India in the 1920s. This movie had the ability to just draw me in.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic literature adaptations”
  • “Viewers interested in historical dramas”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films”
  • “Audiences interested in themes of colonialism and cultural conflict”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of racial prejudice”
  • “Brief depiction of potential sexual assault (ambiguous)”
  • “Some scenes may be emotionally disturbing”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “David Lean’s final film is a visually stunning and thought-provoking exploration of cultural clashes in British India. While the pacing may be slow for some, the performances are superb, especially Peggy Ashcroft as Mrs. Moore. A must-see for fans of historical dramas and Lean’s earlier works.
• The New York Times: “Lean tackles E.M. Forster’s complex novel with impressive scope and attention to detail, but the emotional core of the story is somewhat lost in the grandeur. Judy Davis delivers a compelling performance as Adela Quested, but the ambiguity of the central incident may leave some viewers frustrated.
• RogerEbert.com: “While ‘A Passage to India’ boasts beautiful cinematography and strong performances, it ultimately fails to capture the nuance and depth of Forster’s novel. The pacing is uneven, and the central mystery remains frustratingly unresolved. A decent film, but not among Lean’s best.

Audience Reactions

The breathtaking scenery and cinematography are a visual treat.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s stunning visuals and epic scope.

Peggy Ashcroft’s performance as Mrs. Moore is exceptional and heartwarming.: Many viewers highlight Ashcroft’s portrayal as a standout performance.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning but somewhat flawed adaptation of E.M. Forster’s novel, with strong performances but uneven pacing.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1985
2. Academy Award (Best Original Score)- 1985
3. Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 1985

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “David Lean fell out with Alec Guinness during production, reportedly because Lean cut many of Guinness’s scenes.”
• “Peggy Ashcroft won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role, despite being deliberately shunned by Lean during lunch and dinner throughout filming.”
• “The film marked David Lean’s return to directing after a 14-year hiatus.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Passage to India?

A Passage to India can be found for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. Availability may vary by region. search Amazon

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Passage to India, you might like these similar films:

• The Jewel in the Crown (1984): A detailed miniseries exploring British India, with similar themes of colonialism and cultural conflict.
• Heat and Dust (1983): Another Merchant Ivory production set in India, exploring cultural clashes and personal relationships across generations.
• Gandhi (1982): A historical epic focusing on the Indian independence movement and the life of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975): Similar themes of mystery, repression, and the overpowering nature of an unfamiliar landscape.

🛒 A Passage to India Related Products

• E.M. Forster: A Passage to India (Penguin Classics): The classic novel by E.M. Forster, a must-read for fans of the movie. This edition provides valuable context and insights into the themes explored in the film.
• India & The British Raj – Collection: Includes multiple documentaries and movies covering Indian history and British rule. Dive into a digital collection that delves into history of the British Raj. Perfect for those seeking more in-depth knowledge. Delve into a comprehensive digital collection focusing on India and the British Raj.
• A Passage to India (Blu-ray): Experience David Lean’s masterpiece in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes special features, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Framed Movie Poster: Show off your love for this classic movie with a high-quality framed poster. Available in various sizes to suit any room.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Passage to India features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “The Caves of Marabar” – performed by Maurice Jarre
• “Tea For Two” – performed by Vincent Youmans

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Peggy Ashcroft winning Best Supporting Actress

Witness the incredible Peggy Ashcroft accepting her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in “A Passage to India”! It’s amazing to see such a talented actress get the recognition she deserves. You won’t be disappointed!

The Beginner’s Guide to David Lean’s 6 Best Films

Want to know where “A Passage to India” fits in the amazing career of director David Lean? This video breaks down his 6 best films and gives great context to the movie, check it out!

Maurice Jarre winning Original Score for “A Passage to India”

The music in “A Passage to India” is incredible! Watch Maurice Jarre receive his Oscar for the film’s original score. The presenter is also very well known so worth checking out!

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