The growing pains of three young women contrast with the immutability of the holy Bengal River, around which their daily lives unfold.The growing pains of three young women contrast with the immutability of the holy Bengal River, around which their daily lives unfold.The growing pains of three young women contrast with the immutability of the holy Bengal River, around which their daily lives unfold.
- Nominated for 2 BAFTA Awards
- 3 wins & 4 nominations total
June Tripp
- Narrator
- (voice)
- (as June Hillman)
Nimai Barik
- Kanu
- (uncredited)
Richard R. Foster
- Bogey
- (uncredited)
Jane Harris
- Muffie
- (uncredited)
Jennifer Harris
- Mouse
- (uncredited)
Trilak Jetley
- Anil
- (uncredited)
Bhogwan Singh
- Sajjan
- (uncredited)
Penelope Wilkinson
- Elizabeth
- (uncredited)
Cecilia Wood
- Victoria
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThomas E. Breen, who plays Capt. John, was really missing one leg like his character.
- Goofs(at around 36 mins) A cigarette appears from nowhere.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Loin (2001)
Featured review
Post-Independence?
I believe that both Karina and Gabridl are slightly off when they say that the film is supposed to depict post-independence India. I don't believe this is true and, therefore, Renoir cannot be taken to task for not covering India's independence struggles. Although the film was made post-independence (1951), it does not cover the period of independence itself (late 1930s to actual independence in 1947). Remember, that the film is a "memory film" and is based on the autobiography of Rumer Godden, who was born in 1907. The adult narrator is a grown-up Harriet. A grown-up Harriet in 1951 would be speaking of an earlier time--probably sometime in the 1920s--that was a more peaceful time for the English colonial inhabitants. The clothing and hairstyles can't be used to indicate when the film takes place. Harriet's blue sack of a dress would have been worn by any 13 year-old girl from the 1920 through the 1940s. And Valerie's rather unkempt and flowing hair could be anytime, too.
As for Melanie having an Indian accent. I don't believe that it was ever said that Melanie was educated in England. I believe that the film says she was educated in a convent, and there were certainly convent schools in India in the 1920s. I find it interesting that when it is said that Melanie will probably marry Anil, an understanding that they have had since childhood, she is still wearing her convent uniform. When she develops a crush on Captain John, she starts to wear saris, maybe hoping to attract him through the exotic.
All in all, a beautiful, lyrical film that should not be missed.
As for Melanie having an Indian accent. I don't believe that it was ever said that Melanie was educated in England. I believe that the film says she was educated in a convent, and there were certainly convent schools in India in the 1920s. I find it interesting that when it is said that Melanie will probably marry Anil, an understanding that they have had since childhood, she is still wearing her convent uniform. When she develops a crush on Captain John, she starts to wear saris, maybe hoping to attract him through the exotic.
All in all, a beautiful, lyrical film that should not be missed.
- How long is The River?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official site
- Languages
- Also known as
- Der Strom
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross worldwide
- $53,357
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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