Before the Rains

2007

98 mins

Directed by Santosh Sivan
49%
50%
Drama

In this Merchant Ivory period drama, an idealistic young Indian man is torn between the growing nationalist movement of his... More

In this Merchant Ivory period drama, an idealistic young Indian man is torn between the growing nationalist movement of his homeland and his desires for the future when his village learns of an affair between his British boss (Linus Roache) and a local woman. The lady in question is Nandita Das who is absolutely huge in India, making her probably the most famous actress you’ve never heard of.

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Before the Rains | Ratings & Reviews

49_%69 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes® rating
50_%1,643 reviews
Audience score rating

"The emotionally charged mysteries of his breakthrough feature, "The Terrorist," have given way to laborious narrative convention in Indian helmer Santosh Sivan's latest, English-lingo period meller "Before the Rains." Tale of an idealistic local caught in the crossfire of an illicit affair is too pat and pretty to connect..."

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Variety

"Gorgeous but thuddingly obvious."

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Total Film

"Fatal culture clash, imperialist entitlement, forbidden passion between master and servant: the ingredients of the Indian director Santosh Sivan’s period piece “Before the Rains” may be awfully familiar, but the film lends them the force of tragedy."

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The New York Times

"Drama of adultery in 1937 Kerala is ravishingly gorgeous but lacks conviction."

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New Zealand Herald

"It’s beautifully shot, but in the end lacks emotional depth."

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Newshub

"While the characters sometimes feel roughly drawn, the casting is spot on."

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Empire Magazine

"Whatever its scripted shortcomings, this is still a hugely enjoyable film with plenty on its mind. The locations and cinematography are ravishing, and the emotions are as turbulent as a monsoon sky. Before the Rains is no Passage to India, but it definitely has its moments."

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