Die bengalische Nacht

The beautiful part is that it is based on a true story that shows both the light and shadow in the interplay of Western and non-Western cultures. The less than wonderful part for an American audience (my wife and myself) was the pacing, the cinematography, the rambling philosophical bon mots that didn't seem to go anywhere or have a perspective one could really get a hold of. Not at all a Hollywood product -- a European effort and perhaps better enjoyed by those who enjoy European directors. We didn't watch the whole thing -- too slow, too painful. We found that the DVD's special feature interview with the producer was the best part. It also is about a Westerner's encounters with the Indian culture, but is more accessible.

I accidentally stumbled upon this film. I didn't know there was a movie based on one of my favourite books. I read the book twice, and i could still read it a hundred times.

The film is very succinct, presents the main events, but shows very little of the feelings and inner thoughts of the characters, and of the Indian culture and philosophy. The book is much more introspective, deep and painful to read. The book is based on a true story. Mircea Eliade (Allan in the book/movie), a very famous Romanian philosopher (who also wrote the first History of Religions) travels to India in order to discover its culture. There he meets the love of his life, Maytreyi (Gaytri) but the cultural gap between western and eastern civilization gets in their way. The romance ends very badly, leading the two to extreme sufferance.

After many years, Maytreyi and Eliade both become very important writers, and they accidentally meet at a conference. After this event, Maytreyi writes a book with her side of the story.

I liked the casting very much of this movie, but the director could have done much more justice to such a painful romance.

"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.

Allan (Hugh Grant in the beginning of his career) is an English engineer of about twenty-six years old expatriated in India who builds bridges and roads. One day, he got ill and his boss invites him to stay in his huge home with his family (his wife and his two daughters). There, Allan will fall in love with the older daughter Gayatri (Supriya Patrak). However, the abyss between European and Indian cultures and the lack of comprehension and misunderstanding of the Indian culture by Allan will lead the lovers and the Indian family to a tragic end. The story does not situate the viewer in an exact period of the Twentieth Century (maybe in the 50's), but the romance is wonderful and exotic and supported by a great cast. The character of John Hurt has a small participation in the plot, but with a great and intense acting. The actresses who played the mother Indira Sen (Shabana Azmi) and Gayatri (Supriya Patrak) are of an incredible beauty. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "As Noites de Bengali" ("The Nights of Bengalli")