City of Joy (1992)
Genre: Drama
Duration: 132 minuten
Country:
France / United Kingdom / United States
Directed by: Roland Joffé
Stars: Patrick Swayze, Om Puri and Pauline Collins
IMDb score:
6,5 (6.018)
Releasedate: 15 April 1992
City of Joy plot
"He was a man who couldn't care less... until he met a man who couldn't care more."
An American surgeon loses a young patient before quitting his job and traveling to India. There he meets a nun who wants to start a free clinic. He resists the temptation to return to his profession, but does help build the clinic. This much to the dismay of the local mafia boss.
Actors and actresses
Max Lowe
Hazari Pal
Joan Bethel
Kamla H. Pal
Amrita H. Pal
Ashok Ghatak
Anouar
Poomina
Ghatak - Godfather
Chomotkar
Reviews & comments
Jessen0wnt
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- 3199 messages
- 2609 votes
City of Joy.
A fine movie that actually works in every respect, it just runs way too long. Somehow, the film has an urge to wrap up every little loose problem, idea, or dialogue. Nothing is left to the viewer's imagination or interpretation. No, all minor issues are discussed and addressed from beginning to end. As a viewer, you don't have to worry about an incomplete story or a lack of imagination. City of Joy gives you it all.
The story is rather cheap, feel-good at the wrong moments, but still manages to grab you for the first 90 minutes. When the film focuses more on the residents of this hideout, it all becomes just a bit too contrived, leaving you as a viewer feeling like you were already done with the film, only for new storylines and new issues to suddenly be introduced, giving you the feeling that you are getting a completely different film.
The film is quite entertaining and, above all, has a beautiful story, plus visually it all looks very nice. Both the beautiful and the poor sides of these slums are portrayed well. The film also features various characters with depth. It makes it all a bit more palatable.
All in all a fine movie, could have been a bit less in it and had a bit more character in terms of the film itself. City of Joy tries too hard to please, and in itself succeeds. But sometimes it feels a bit too forced, making it come across as long-winded and contrived. 3 stars
Translated from Dutch · View original
Filmkriebel
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- 10206 messages
- 4775 votes
It deserves a much better average rating and, above all, deserves to be seen. The messages aren't very philosophical; otherwise, the film is honest. A doctor loses his will to live and finds it again by helping the poor in the City of Joy, a shantytown, with their daily burdens. The street life atmosphere of Calcutta is faithfully depicted with busy alleys, rickshaws, and social squabbles. I also found the friendship between Hasari and the doctor to be a beautiful addition. I personally believe that the ability to see each other as human beings, regardless of cultural and religious differences, is one of the most beautiful things life has to offer. Then there are the far-reaching intimidations by a local godfather, which ensures it doesn't become tedious. Although I consider this a very dignified film, it never becomes raw, which sometimes makes it seem as if everyone is just a little too cheerful and laughing. I have nothing against being positive, but the harshness of existence in the slums didn't always come across as realistic because of this.
Translated from Dutch · View original
scorsese
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- 13508 messages
- 11319 votes
A good film in which an American doctor and an Indian farmer meet in Calcutta. Although there are plenty of dramatic events, it is portrayed a little too beautifully and easily here and there. The location work in Calcutta provides beautiful visuals and lends the film authenticity. An atypical role for Patrick Swayze, but he does nothing wrong here.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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